Heart attack symptoms vary between men and women

According to a new study, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and unusual fatigue, which may not seem like typical heart attack symptoms, are more common in women than men and may occur more frequently during rest or sleep.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic revealed that, unlike men, women may not always experience severe or prominent chest pain, pressure, or discomfort during a heart attack. Therefore, women must recognize their unique symptoms and take steps to lower their risk of heart disease.

Women experiencing symptoms of a heart attack often misinterpret the signs, which can be vague and include shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Other symptoms may include dizziness, light-headedness, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, and extreme fatigue.

About 64 percent of women who die suddenly from coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms, as stated by the American Heart Association (AHA). Risk also increases with age, and family history often plays a role. Additionally, overeating and leading a sedentary lifestyle contribute to the gradual blockage of arteries over time.

"It's important to first recognise the risk factors of developing heart disease and then work to curb behaviors that might exacerbate that risk," said Chatura Alur, family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

"Some factors play a more significant role in the development of heart disease in women than what are considered the traditional risks, such as high cholesterol, obesity and high blood pressure," Alur added.

To help prevent heart disease, women should control risk factors like diabetes, mental stress and depression, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle. Certain conditions, including menopause, broken heart syndrome and pregnancy complications also may increase a woman's risk for heart disease.

"Women of all ages should take heart disease seriously. Many women tend to neglect their symptoms and not seek care until heart damage has already occurred and an emergency room visit becomes necessary. We want women to understand the importance of listening to their bodies, understanding what feels normal to them, and seeking care before symptoms become severe." Concluded Dr. Alur.

Reference: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/heart-month-mayo-clinic-says-heart-attack-symptoms-in-women-are-often-different-than-men/