Female Heart Attack Symptoms

With so many cases coming up, it is no more a strange fact to know that female heart attack symptoms are different from those in men. Reports say that most affected women experienced different or new physical symptoms, about a month before they were actually hit by a heart attack. This theory was researched by National Institutes of Health (NIH). Keeping oneself abreast of all such symptoms is considered critical, as this would provide a great deal of help in preventing and tackling an attack.

What Symptoms are Typical of Heart Attack In Women?

Chest pain, as we all know, is a typical heart attack symptom. However, you will be surprised to know that most women do not experience any kind of chest pain before during any phase of heart attack. In a study conducted on 515 women, it was found that about 43% of the total figure experienced no chest pain. However, doctors still consider chest pain as an important symptom of heart attack in both the sexes and this may be the reason why many women may be misdiagnosed and discharged from the emergency room without being treated. The common symptoms caused by a heart attack in women include shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue for no good reason. Also, there might be other accompanying symptoms like nausea, dizziness, back pain, discomfort in lower chest and symptoms which are similar to indigestion. These symptoms, when not accompanied by a chest pain, may be misunderstood to be those of a stomach ailment. So, it is very essential to make a note of the point that, women may actually experience chest pain or discomfort and other symptoms which are typical of men, but more chances are that, they might not. Misunderstanding all these symptoms for a different ailment may result in ill repercussions and even prove fatal, in some cases. So, if such symptoms seem to occur continuously, you must consider to pay an early visit to the doctor.

Treatment

Treatment of heart attack cannot be done at home. An emergency room is what the place you must reach for once you identify the heart attack symptoms. Medications which would be prescribed to the patient may include aspirin (to reduce blood clotting), super aspirins (to prevent formation of new clots), thrombolytics (to dissolve blood clot) and other blood thinning medications. Beta blockers (to relax heart muscles) and medications to lower cholesterol are also included. As most women do not suffer from chest pain, use of pain killers or nitroglycerin may be eliminated.

Sometimes, medications are aided with surgical procedures to treat the problem. The procedures include coronary angioplasty and stenting, and coronary artery bypass surgery. The first focuses on the need to open up block coronary arteries. This helps in letting blood flow more freely to the heart. The second procedure, is however, performed in rare cases. Usually, a bypass surgery is advised for a patient who has had sometime to recuperate from a heart attack.

There are several things you can do to prevent and recover from a heart attack. Shun smoking and especially avoid passive smoking, keep a track of your cholesterol level, do not ignore the need to go for regular medical check ups, keep your blood pressure in control, use the benefits of exercises (especially, cardiovascular ones) and maintain a healthy weight. Inculcate a heart healthy diet, manage stress and keep consumption of alcohol to a safe level.