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Heart attack: the different symptoms in men and women

Credits: stevanovicigor - istock
Heart attack: the different symptoms in men and women
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A heart attack occurs when an artery bringing blood and oxygen to the heart is obstructed, and when the heart muscle tissue starts to die. You should call the emergency services immediately if you notice any of the symptoms or warning signs, or if you see someone in such difficulty. In order to react fast, it is important to know the symptoms. 

What are the causes of heart attacks?

In the majority of cases, heart attacks are linked to the presence of a blood clot which obstructs the coronary artery (which provides the heart with blood and oxygen). However, when the blood flow is slowed down or blocked, the heart does not receive enough oxygen and the tissue starts to die off, which is what happens in a heart attack. 

Contrary to popular belief, heart attacks do not affect more men than women: almost 1 in 3 women die from cardiovascular problems, which is higher than the death rates for breast cancer.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

According to European cardiology authorities, “almost half of women under 60 years of age who have suffered heart attacks did not have the classic symptoms”. The “classic” symptoms are more often seen in men:

  • sensation of heaviness or pressure in the chest
  • pain radiating out the neck or the jaw, the back and/or the left arm (and more rarely, the right arm)
  • variable sweats
  • nausea and/or vomiting
  • shortness of breath
  • vertigo and/or fainting

In the case of heart attacks in women, particular caution is required because they don’t necessarily feel pain. The symptoms tend to be more atypical in women:

  • feelings of exhaustion and sudden and intense fatigue
  • unusual breathlessness during or following physical effort (such as climbing stairs, for example)
  • nausea
  • sensation of heaviness or pressure in the chest
  • pain between the shoulder blades

These symptoms should be seen as a warning sign in young women who present with at least one cardiovascular risk factor:

  • smoking
  • stress
  • a sedentary lifestyle 
  • high blood pressure
  • cholesterol
  • diabetes, etc.

If you or one of your loved ones are concerned by one or more of these symptoms, phone the emergency services and precisely describe yours or the patient’s symptoms and how they look, in order to access the most appropriate treatment.

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