Heart Attack: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
A man clutches his chest and doubles
over. Heart attack, you say. But what
about the woman who’s been feeling
unusually tired and is experiencing nausea
and back pain? She, too, could be having a
heart attack.
People often miss signs of heart attack and wait to get care, studies show. Delay can be costly. Acting fast to get treatment within an hour of first symptoms can save lives and limit heart damage.
Why the Confusion?
Heart attack symptoms vary. Even people who have had a heart attack may experience different symptoms during another one. Plus, men’s and women’s symptoms may differ.Chest discomfort or pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women. The sensation may range from pressure or fullness to squeezing, crushing pain. It may be constant or come and go.
Symptoms May Be Vague
While chest pain is common, both men and women may experience other symptoms. Women, particularly, are more likely to experience subtle signs such as:- Upper-body discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Nausea, light-headedness, fainting, or cold sweat
- Abnormal fatigue or difficulty sleeping
- Breathing problems
- Anxiety
