Women Are More Likely to Have Silent Heart Attacks

Women are more likely than men to have uncommon symptoms of a heart attack and a silent heart attack.

The typical image that plays in a person’s mind when they think of a heart attack may look something like someone clutching their chest, grasping, and crumbling over, but this is not always the case, especially when it comes to women. Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States yet their symptoms are often ignored. Frequently, the signs and symptoms of an oncoming or currently occurring woman’s heart attack are written off as something else or disregarded. Often, women can have more subtle signs of a heart attack. Read on to learn more about the signs a woman may experience during a heart attack.

Chest Pain or Discomfort

The most common heart attack symptom for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort. The pain could range from mild to strong. The pain could be consistent or intermittent. Any chest pain or discomfort should be taken seriously and not ignored.

Other Symptoms That May Be Experienced

Women are more likely than men to have symptoms other than chest pain. They are also more likely to have heart attacks that do not have obvious signs, these are referred to as silent heart attacks. These symptoms may include:

Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or throat
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Vomiting
Indigestion
Heartburn
Fatigue

What You Should Do If You Think You Are Having a Heart Attack

If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, you should not hesitate to get emergency medical care. Time is of the essence and if symptoms are ignored it could lead to permanent damage or even death. You should call 911 instead of driving yourself or having someone else drive you to the hospital. The ambulance personnel are trained to treat you on your way to the hospital. This is especially important if you live a long distance from a hospital. Learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack so you are prepared if one ever occurs.