Heart Attack in Women: 5 Warning Signs You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Women do not always get the classic heart attack symptoms as men, such as crushing chest pain that radiates down one arm. When a heart attack strikes, women fare worse than men with longer hospital stays. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, which is why it is imperative that women learn the warning signs and symptoms, see a doctor regularly, and learn their family history.

The doctor says, “Healthy women often misdiagnose the symptoms of heart attack because they do not believe it can happen to them. This is why it is important to know about heart disease and stroke for living a heart healthy lifestyle and be aware of risk factors associated with it”.

What Causes a Heart Attack in Women?

Heart attacks in women can be caused by various factors, some of which may differ from those in men. Common causes of heart attacks in women include:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis). This can lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, causing a heart attack. 
• Spasm of the coronary arteries: In some cases, coronary arteries may undergo spasm, temporarily reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and triggering a heart attack. This condition, known as coronary artery spasm or variant angina, can occur in women without significant plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Microvascular disease: Microvascular disease affects the small blood vessels in the heart and may lead to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, even in the absence of significant blockages in the larger coronary arteries. This condition is more common in women and may increase the risk of heart attacks.
• Broken heart syndrome: Also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, broken heart syndrome can occur in response to intense emotional or physical stress. It can cause symptoms similar to those of a heart attack, including chest pain and shortness of breath.
• Risk factors: While women share many of the same risk factors for heart attacks as men, certain risk factors, such as hormonal changes (e.g., menopause) and conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia during pregnancy, may specifically affect women's heart health.
• Age: The risk of heart attack increases with age in both men and women. However, women tend to have heart attacks at an older age than men, and the risk may increase after menopause due to hormonal changes.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack a woman can have, you must not ignore these 5 heart attack symptoms:

1. Unusual Fatigue

Like many women, you’re probably busy most of the time. You may take care of a family, run a household, work outside the home and care for aging parents. You are probably also tired a lot of the time. Most likely this is normal. But you should pay attention to fatigue if it is new or dramatic. Here is what to watch out for:

• You are suddenly worn out after your typical exercise or routine
• You are not exerting yourself, but have fatigue or a heavy chest
• Simple activities like making the bed, walking to the bathroom makes you excessively tired.
• Although you feel exceptionally tired but experience sleep disturbances.

2. Neck, jaw or back pain

This type of pain is more common in women than in men. It may confuse women who expect their pain to be focused on their chest and left arm, not their back or jaw. The pain can be gradual or sudden, and it may aggravate before becoming intense. If you're asleep, it might wake you up. You should report any "not typical or unexplained" symptoms in any part of your body above your waist to your doctor.

3. Sweating and/or shortness of breath

Cold sweat is common among women who are having a heart attack. It will feel more like stress-related sweating than perspiration from exercising or spending time outside in the heat. "Get it checked out" if you don't typically sweat like that and there is no other reason for it, such as heat or hot flashes.If you're having trouble breathing for no apparent reason, you could be having a heart attack, It can feel like you have run a marathon, but you didn't make a move.

4. Stomach pain

Sometimes people mistake stomach pain that signals a heart attack with heartburn, the flu, or a stomach ulcer. Other times, women experience severe abdominal pressure that feels like an elephant sitting on your stomach.

5. Chest pain or discomfort

Some women may experience it differently than men. It may feel like a squeezing or fullness, and the pain can be anywhere in the chest, not just on the left side.

Mostheart attacks begin with subtle symptoms causing only discomfort. Heart attack increases the reasons for cardiac arrest. It is advisable not to ignore them as flu, stress, anxiety or indigestion. Better management and prevention have resulted in decreasing rates of heart attack in older women. However, if you are a younger woman, especially with risk factors-Beware! Rates of heart attack are actually on the rise, including silent heart attacks.

To learn more about heart attack causes, symptoms and treatment, consult a specialist at the best heart hospital in Delhi.

What to do if You Notice Heart Attack Symptoms?

If you notice symptoms of a heart attack, it's important to take immediate action. Here's what to do:

• Call emergency services: Dial emergency services (such as 911 in the United States) immediately to request medical assistance. Don't delay calling for help, even if you're unsure whether your symptoms are due to a heart attack.
• Chew aspirin: If you have access to aspirin and are not allergic to it, chew one full-strength (325 mg) aspirin as soon as possible. Aspirin can help prevent blood clotting and reduce the severity of a heart attack.
• Stay calm and rest: Try to remain as calm as possible and avoid exertion. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position to reduce the workload on your heart.
• Loosen Tight Clothing: If you're wearing tight clothing, such as a collar or belt, loosen it to help improve blood flow and ease breathing.
• Take prescribed medications: If you have medications prescribed for angina or heart-related conditions, such as nitroglycerin, take them as directed while waiting for emergency medical assistance.
• Inform others: If you're with someone else, inform them of your symptoms and actions taken. They can provide support and assistance while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
• Stay alert: Be prepared to provide information to emergency responders, such as your medical history, current medications, and any known allergies or conditions.

Remember, time is of the essence during a heart attack. Acting quickly and seeking prompt medical attention can help minimize damage to the heart muscle and improve the chances of a positive outcome. Don't hesitate to call for help, even if you're unsure whether your symptoms are due to a heart attack. It's always better to seek medical evaluation should you see the need.

When to see a doctor for a heart problem?

How can Women Reduce the Risk of a Heart Attack?

Women can take several steps to reduce their risk of a heart attack:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and limiting processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive salt and saturated fats.
• Exercise regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week, along with strength training exercises at least twice a week.
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease risk. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or hobbies to help manage stress levels and promote relaxation.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease and heart attacks. Quitting smoking can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. Seek support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or smoking cessation programs to quit smoking successfully.
• Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of heart disease. Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels, which is defined as up to one drink per day for women.
• Control blood pressure: High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease. Monitor blood pressure regularly and take steps to control it through lifestyle modifications, medications, or other treatments as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Manage cholesterol levels: High levels of cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease. Follow a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, and take prescribed medications if necessary to manage cholesterol levels.

By adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors, and seeking regular medical care, women can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease and heart attacks, leading to improved cardiovascular health and overall well-being.

Final words

While taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks is essential, it's equally important to seek expert medical guidance when needed. If you have concerns about your heart health or are experiencing symptoms suggestive of a heart condition, don't hesitate to consult a specialist at Max Hospitals. Our team of experienced cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and tailored treatment plans to address your individual needs, paving the way for the best possible outcome. Whether you require preventive screenings, diagnostic evaluations, or advanced treatment options, we are here to support you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with one of our heart doctors, and take proactive steps towards a healthier heart.