We all have wives, mothers, sisters and friends who have suffered a heart attack. What is shocking is how few people know the signs of heart attack in women (hint, they are way different than what men experience!)
Caring about the total health of our clients is all encompassing and we want our female clients to be aware!
So what are the signs of a heart attack in women?
There are obvious ones and some not so obvious ones.
More obvious signs of heart attack
- An uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest, this can last more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Less common signs of heart attack
There are some other signs that are less common and keep women from recognizing the possibility of a heart attack. These include:
- Feeling tired or fatigued. Yes, fatigue can be a sign of stress, poor sleep or side effects of some medications, but if it is constant or severe then you could be in the beginnings of a heart attack.
- Insomnia is part of it too. Most would tie their fatigue to insomnia, but together can be a precursor to a heart attack.
- Unusual symptoms. If you add in coughing or shortness of breath, heartburn or abdominal bloating, and dizziness and profuse sweating, then you could be having a heart attack.
BONUS :: One last uncommon symptom is unreasonable anxiety. This anxiety often comes just before the heart attack.
Knowing what to look for can save your life.
Your physical therapist can also help you with a heart healthy workout routine designed just for you. Being healthy is the best defense against heart problems, despite a family history of them.
