According to the American Heart Association, more than 1 in 3 adults have some form of cardiovascular disease. The good news is that 80% of heart disease and stroke can be prevented. Heart attack signs in women can be vastly different than in men and can be confused with less life-threatening situations.
Signs & Symptoms Preceding A Heart Attack in Women
1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck or jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.
5. As with men, the most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait, call for help. Call 9−1−1 and get to a hospital right away.
Women’s Health and Heart Disease
Duly Health and Care has cardiologists in multiple locations across the western suburbs. Visit the Cardiology page to find a physician near you.
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