Between The Lines
Common Overlooked Signs A Woman Is Having A Heart Attack
In the movies, a man often grabs his chest and falls to the ground when he’s having a heart attack. For women, however, the signs of a heart attack may not be quite as dramatic. But they can have fatal consequences, especially if you don’t get immediate help.
Like men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is discomfort or chest pain. However, women may experience other symptoms not typically associated with a heart attack. “You may not feel like you have an elephant sitting on your chest,” says Andrea Klemes, DO, FACE, Chief Medical Officer of MDVIP in Boca Raton. “Women say they feel dismissed if it’s not a typical heart attack complaint.”
If you have any of these symptoms, accompanied by chest pain or discomfort, call 911:
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, neck, jaw, stomach or back
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Squeezing, pressure, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or disappears but returns
• Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
Klemes says that many times heart attacks in women are preventable. That’s why it’s important that women get a checkup from their primary care physician. They can look at cholesterol levels, for example, to see what shape your heart is in. Calcium scores are also important for women over 50 when it comes to heart disease. “A primary care doctor can work with you and help you identify what you need to do to prevent a heart attack.” That way you’re aware of your health status if you do have to go to an ER. “And you don’t just want to see your gynecologist,” she says. See your primary care physician too. “That way you can get the right screenings early on.”
She also suggests that you see a dentist. They can be on top of your periodontal health, which is tied to heart attacks, she says. Studies have found that people with periodontal disease have a greater risk of having a heart attack.
And as you likely know, maintain a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and complex carbs and get exercise. “Make sure that you’re doing the right diet and exercise that works for you.” Sleep and good mental health are also important. “If you’re happy and grateful, you’ll reduce your risk of heart disease and other health issues.”