Heart attack in women - everything you need to know
Women's heart attack symptoms differ from men's. Heart attacks in women are typically silent killers because early warning indicators are not felt or are ignored. Explore this page in-depth to learn more about female heart attack symptoms.
What exactly is a "silent heart attack"?
There have been countless cases where the individual suffering from a heart attack was oblivious since they did not exhibit the typical signs of shortness of breath, cold sweat, or even chest discomfort.
A silent heart attack, also known as silent ischemia, is a situation in which a heart attack occurs without any or just minor symptoms. However, quiet heart attacks should not be dismissed as a symptom of exhaustion because they are the same as regular heart attacks.
Some non-specific symptoms of a silent heart attack
However, some argue that silent heart attacks are asymptomatic; on many occasions, they present non-specific symptoms that people ignore. Some of these symptoms include:
● Unexplained exhaustion
● Indigestion for no obvious reason
● Chest or upper back muscle aches
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Apart from the above-mentioned signs of silent heart attacks, it is necessary to be aware of the symptoms of a traditional heart attack. Some symptoms of a heart attack include:
● Chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes
● Sweating cold
● Tiredness for causes that cannot be described
● Feeling of shortness of breath Feeling of lightness in the head Feeling of soreness in the upper body
● Vomiting and an overall sensation of nausea
● Experiencing dyspepsia for no apparent reason
What are the most prevalent reasons for a heart attack?
Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent cause of a heart attack. The cardiac arteries become clogged in this syndrome. Plaques, which are cholesterol deposits, are frequently the cause. These plaques reduce blood flow into the heart by restricting the artery channels. Heart attacks can also be caused by a total or partial blockage of the coronary arteries.
However, heart attacks can occur for a variety of reasons unrelated to vascular problems. Other causes of heart attacks include the following:
Vasospastic Angina occurs when the blood arteries that are not obstructed get compressed. The danger increases if the person suffering from this ailment is a smoker.
SCAD - the full name is spontaneous coronary artery dissection; in this condition, the coronary artery tears.
Comorbidities - If a person is affected by Covid-19 and also smokes or drinks, these act as comorbidities and can lead to heart attacks.
Some heart attack causes are unique to women
In women, there are few likely causes of heart attacks. Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis can only occur in female bodies, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Endometriosis increases the risk of heart attack by 62% in women.
Furthermore, women who acquire high blood pressure and gestational diabetes during their pregnancy are more likely to suffer heart-related health issues.
As with males, it is crucial for women to adjust their lives to reduce the risk of heart attacks. Frequent exercise, a nutritious diet, stopping tobacco and alcohol, decreasing weight, and regular doctor visits are critical. Experts advocate attending rehab programs run by experts if you have a heart attack. In these rehab programs, people with heart issues are put through tailored workout plans and food charts.