Heart Attack: Understanding the Differences Between the Symptoms in Men and Women
Heart disease is a leading cause of fatality for both men and women, and while the risk of a heart attack is similar for both men and women, a heart attack can present much different symptoms in a male patient than in a female patient. A common misconception about heart attacks is that they only cause severe chest pain that is unmistakable for any other condition. This is actually untrue for both male and female patients, as there are other characteristic heart attack symptoms that will indicate something is wrong.
Male heart attack symptoms
Chest pain is the most widely recognized heart attack symptom, and it generally feels like it is generated from high pressure within the chest. The pain might persist or it can come in waves over the course of several minutes. Pain in the arm is another well-known heart attack sign, and it can occur in one or both arms. There may also be pain or discomfort in the neck, back, or jaw. Indigestion like discomfort in the upper abdomen may also accompany a heart attack.
Female heart attack symptoms
Women are actually less likely to recognize a heart attack because the symptoms of heart attack in females do not meet the typical perception of well-recognized signs. Chest pain may be present, but it may not be as severe as that which is generally experienced by males. Some of the lesser-known signs of heart attacks in females include nausea, cold sweats, fainting, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms will appear somewhat suddenly, and they should be addressed with immediate medical attention.
For more information on the symptoms of a heart attack and your specific risk factors for heart disease, contact Good Samaritan Hospital at (888) 724-2362. Our Chest Pain Center is accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers, and we are fully equipped to provide the highest level of care for cardiac episodes.
- Loading comments...
