Heart Attack Symptoms are More Subtle in Women Than in Men
Learn to recognize cardiac symptoms
Heart attack symptoms are more subtle in women than in men. As a result, it becomes more difficult to identify in time a heart attack and, therefore, mortality risks rise. Know the signs of a heart attack in women.
1. If cardiovascular disease is only one, why make distinctions between men and women?
Until recently, general medicine and cardiology in particular women ignored in scientific studies. In the absence of specific data, the doctors ran the risk of under treatment or over-treat women. For example, heart attack symptoms are more subtle or different in women. Consequently, women themselves and even doctors can not identify an attack time. That could explain why the mortality rate after a heart attack is greater in women.
2. And what about drugs? “They act the same in men than in women?
The answer is often different. For example, some thrombolytics (drugs to remove blood clots or blood clots that block arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes) act differently in women. If used the same way as men could increase the risk of complications.
3. What are the symptoms different in women?
Both men and women, the most common symptom of a heart attack is some type of pain, tightness or discomfort in the chest. However, this symptom may not be acute, or even relevant in women. In fact, signs and chest symptoms are usually not as severe in women. Instead, they are common: 1) the discomfort in the neck, shoulders, back and abdomen; 2) shortness of breath, 3) nausea and vomiting; 4) sweats, 5) the dizziness, and confusion; 6) the feeling of tiredness …
4. What to do in case of doubt?
In the presence of symptoms of heart attack or at the slightest suspicion, women (and men) should call emergency immediately and indicate their status and act upon the instructions directed. Of course, affected or affected should not take the car in any case.
5. Few people know that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. Why did not broadcast this reality better?
Many women still believe that the first cause of death in women is breast cancer. They have internalized the notion that heart problems are a thing of men. Even women smokers, hypertensive or obese no linkage with the risk. The great fear is indeed breast cancer.
6. What’s life with a high risk of heart attack?
The affected may not be able to attend your home, sometimes not even possible to walk or play with their children. Some women with certain types of heart disease have very poor quality of life. This scenario can be avoided with proper treatment, applied in time. For this, the physician should be capable of recognizing the symptoms.
7. What can be done to reduce the risks?
The 3 basic tips are to avoid a sedentary lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking. Women who are on treatment, should take their medications (-blockers, blood thinners, aspirin …) as your doctor tells them. Course, should control all risk factors: hypertension, rates of cholesterol and blood sugar. As for food, when richer in fresh and unprocessed products (fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, nuts …) and less abundant in refined products, the better.
8. What kind of physical activity is recommended?
Being active means taking the stairs instead of taking the elevator, walking several miles a day (the ideal is to buy a pedometer and try to take 10,000 steps a day), sign up for dance classes, hiking or cycling …
9. What are you doing now medicine for women?
New studies are helping to identify gaps in knowledge and create better treatments. Physicians are increasingly aware of the differences between the sexes and act accordingly. As for women, all information is little to prevent this relentless disease.