Heart Attacks In Women - Signs and Symptoms

A study of 515 women who had an acute heart attack (MI, Myocardial Infarction), reported symptoms that were not your typical heart symptoms. The most commonly reported symptoms were unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, indigestion, and anxiety.

Only 30% of the women who reported chest pain had reports of aching and tightness. Women who experience symptoms of heart disease tend to ignore or deny that any discomfort exists. Women are less likely to seek help early when symptoms of heart disease begin to manifest themselves. They figure if they are feeling tired, its because the week must have been particular busy, let alone the fact that she may be having problems sleeping. The most remote thing from her mind is that she could be on the road to an impending heart attack, thus is less prone to get needed medical attention.

Statistics have shown that women have a higher risk for heart attack than men, due in part to changes in estrogen levels that take as she ages. Women who take birth control pills and smoke are also at a higher risk. In addition to this, as a woman ages, her risks for heart attack increase, and is more likely to succumb to heart disease. Even if she suffers a heart attack while hospitalized, her chances of survival are less than that of a man. Also, women tend to experience a cardiac event 10 years later than men do. It is paramount for women to get educated and know their risks to prevent becoming a statistic.

Although a woman of any age can fall victim to a heart attack, having a family history of heart disease should be her first clue of what her risks involve. Women need to realize that heart disease is their number one killer, and it is not just a disease of men. That is why its important for women to take charge of their health to know what her risks for heart disease are, and learn to recognize the signs and symptoms.

There are many options for treatment available, including the immediate opening of a blocked artery, restoring blood flow to the heart. Realizing the early symptoms of heart attack aids in the accuracy of the right diagnosis and the right treatment. Your health is your responsibility, so take care of yourself to ensure you live a healthy quality of life for as long as possible.