Know the Symtoms of a Heart Attack for MEN & WOMEN

As we see hearts as decorations for today, please remember to care for your own heart and those of loved ones. Know that symptoms that men & women experience when having a heart attack [myocardial infarct] differ.

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ABSTRACT from AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

MEN vs. WOMEN on WEBMD

Feb 14, 2010 1:30 AM - Classic heart attack symptoms affect men & women. Women can experience the same well-known warning signs, such as:

* A crushing, squeezing, or burning pain, pressure, or fullness in the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the neck, one or both arms, the shoulders, or the jaw. The chest discomfort lasts more than a few minutes or can go away and return.
* Shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, chills, sweating, or weak pulse

* Cold and clammy skin, gray pallor, or a severe appearance of illness

* Fainting (rare)

As far as the differences between men & women, results from 2 studies are listed below:

* Pain, shortness of breath, fatigue. No gender differences
* Right-side chest discomfort. 4.7 times more likely to be reported by men
* Throat discomfort. 12 times more likely to be reported by women
* Discomfort. 2.7 times more likely to be reported by men
* Dull ache. 3.9 times more likely to be reported by men
* Pressing on the chest. 7.3 times more likely to be reported by women
* Vomiting. 3.9 times more likely to be reported by women
* Indigestion. 3.7 times more likely to be reported by men

For women, major symptoms prior to a heart attack include:

Unusual fatigue - 70%
Sleep disturbance - 48%
Shortness of breath - 42%
Indigestion - 39%
Anxiety - 35%

Major symptoms during the heart attack include:

Shortness of breath - 58%
Weakness - 55%
Unusual fatigue - 43%
Cold sweat - 39%
Dizziness - 39%

WHEN IN DOUBT, ALWAYS CALL 911!!!