Heart Attack Symptoms in Women Over 50

Heart diseases are a major cause of mortality in women over 50 years of age. Statistics also show that lower number of women are found to survive after facing a heart attack as compared to men, although there is no scientific reason or a definite cause supporting this observation. Men and women are at equal risk of heart attacks, but heart attack symptoms in women over 50 are quite different than those observed in men. Before knowing the symptoms, let us have a look at the causes of heart attack in women. Read more on heart attacks.

Risk Factors for Heart Attack
Obesity and high cholesterol are the major causes or risk factors for heart attack in men and women. Extra weight exerts excess pressure on the arteries, thus resulting in coronary heart diseases. Similarly, if your cholesterol level rises above the normal level, you are at a high risk of heart diseases. On the other hand, factors like smoking, high blood pressure, stress, diabetes, lack of physical activity, and hereditary factors also play a major role in contributing to the possibility of a heart attack. What are the symptoms of heart attacks that are observed in women? Let us get to know about heart attack symptoms in women in detail.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
There are some classical heart attack symptoms in women over 50. As mentioned above, as the symptoms of heart attack in women are different, they tend to be ignored by women or sometimes even by the ill-experienced practitioners. Following are the heart attack symptoms in women over 50:

• Breathlessness or shortness of breath which may / may not be followed by chest pain.
• Squeezing chest pain or feeling of tightness in the chest.
• Pain originating in the left side of the chest and spreading to shoulders arms and neck.

One should remember not to get confused with the symptoms of heart attacks and heart burn. Chest pain is the prominent symptom of heart burn, but it is seen only after having a meal. On the other hand, chest pain due to heart attacks can be seen at any time, and it worsens over time. It should be noticed that chest pain may or may not be experienced in women. Many women experience other symptoms along with these classical heart attack symptoms, but do not experience chest pain. Here are the other symptoms of heart attacks that are also commonly experienced by women.

Other Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women

• Abnormal heart beats
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Cough

Common Symptoms of Heart Attack in Men and Women
Of course some symptoms of heart attacks are similar in men and women. The following heart attack symptoms are observed in both men and women:

• Discomfort in chest, shoulders and back.
• Shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Excessive sweating.

Read more on:

• Heart Attack Symptoms In Women
• Mild Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

As mentioned above, women over 50 have a lower rate of survival after a heart attack. This may be due to lack of knowledge of the heart attack symptoms in women over 50, or due to sheer ignorance of these symptoms. If the symptoms are diagnosed earlier, there are higher chances of survival. But on the other hand, women must also be aware of the preventive measures that need to be taken in order to prevent a heart attack. For e.g., obesity and cholesterol can be controlled just by changing diet and lifestyle. Similarly, one can reduce stress, stop smoking, and also live an active lifestyle in order to prevent the onset of heart diseases.
Read more on:

• Signs of Heart Attack
• Heart Attack Symptoms

If one experiences any of these symptoms of heart attacks, they should immediately call for the paramedics. Remember that heart health is very important and heart attack symptoms in women over 50 should not be ignored even slightly. Every women must be aware of the causes and symptoms of heart attacks. They should also follow preventive measures to avoid potential risk of heart diseases.