Mild Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Mild heart attack symptoms in women are mostly of atypical nature, hence they are difficult to diagnose. This article talks about the signs and symptoms of mild heart attack in women.
Mild Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Heart attack or acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death all over the world. Although, men are considered the prime victims, women are not far behind. Every year 267,000 women fall prey to heart attacks worldwide. Symptoms of heart attack in women differ from those in men. Most mild heart attack symptoms in women are atypical in nature, making it difficult to diagnose. Although, chest pain is considered as the most important heart attack symptom in men, it is not at all amongst common mild heart attack symptoms in woman. In fact, there are several mild heart attack symptoms in women. More on signs and symptoms of a mild heart attack.

Mild Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Chest Pain
Left side chest pain of a severe nature is one of the symptoms of mild heart attack in women. However, only 30% of women report chest pain prior to a heart attack. The severity of chest pain can be mild or it can be intense. Women who report this symptom often complain of a crushing pain in the chest. The feeling is that of a tightness or heaviness experienced in the chest area. This pain eventually spreads to the upper back, shoulders, neck, jaw etc.

Fatigue
Excessive fatigue is the most common mild heart attack symptoms in women. Atleast 70% of women, who suffer from mild heart attacks, report this symptom prior to a heart attack. Excessive or unusual fatigue often indicates an onset of cardiac arrest. Hence, if you experience such unusual fatigue, without apparent reason, do not hesitate to call emergency services.

Indigestion
There is a constant feeling of acid indigestion, which does not go away even when you take an antacid. You might mistake it for acid reflux or perhaps the effects of eating too much at meal. Do not ignore this symptom unless you are sure it's nothing but common heart burn. Around 42% women experience this symptom.

Shortness of Breath
You may struggle and gasp for air if you are going to have a heart attack. Panting, taking deep breath etc. can be attributed to the mild heart attack symptoms in women. As many as 48% women experience this symptom before having a mild heart attack. More on heart attack symptoms in women

Other Mild Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
  • Feeling of anxiety or general doom.
  • Constant nausea or a sensation of vomiting.
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness.
  • Sweating profusely with cold, clammy hands and skin.
  • Pain in the upper abdomen region.
  • Pain between shoulder blades.
  • Pain in the inner side of left arm or right arm.
Mild heart attack symptoms in women are highly unpredictable. There are no peculiar warnings or signs that indicate a heart attack. A woman may experience a few of the above symptoms, but the exact nature of symptoms can only be determined after a proper diagnosis. Hence, always call emergency services or rush to the nearest hospital whenever you experience any of the above symptoms. Emergency services have saved the lives of millions of heart patients all over the world.

By Ashwini Kulkarni
Published: 9/22/2009
 
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