Heart Attack Symptoms in Women vs. Men- What is Different?
In India, heart attacks are more common among men than in women. Men at younger ages are more prone to heart health issues. Heart attack symptoms in men and women vary and sometimes may go unnoticed or misunderstood. That is why it is essential to understand the symptoms and factors that impact heart health in both genders. Women are less prone to heart attacks, and this is due to estrogen content in hormones for women that make them less vulnerable. The estrogen hormone improves the cholesterol levels that maintain flexible blood vessels. Heart attack symptoms may overlap between men and women, but there are also distinct differences in how they present. Let’s explore how these symptoms vary between the two. Heart attack symptoms Women Men Chest pain Atypical symptoms. Chest pressure, squeezing or fullness Men often experience chest pain that feels like pressure, tightness, or a sense of fullness. Heavy breathing Heavy breathing with or without chest pain Unusual breathing discomfort Sweating and Nausea Cold sweat or Nausea Cold sweat that seems unusual Pain in arms, neck, and jaw Discomfort can appear in either arm and may also affect the neck and jaw. Pain in left arm, neck and jaw Fatigue Women face more fatigue and tiredness Fatigue or unusual tiredness Anxiety and Insomnia Women face more anxiety and emotional stress Nervousness, dullness, or lack of sleep Heart Attack Symptoms In Women- A Complete list Heart attack symptoms in women are often unusual and can be intense, sometimes striking suddenly, especially in older women. Chest Pain: Women over 50 may feel asymptomatic chest pain that feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Heavy Breathing: Heavy breathing with or without chest discomfort. Sweating and Nausea: Cold sweat or nauseating symptoms. Pain in arms, Neck, and Jaw: Discomfort in these areas, including the stomach, may indicate a possible heart attack. Anxiety: Women experience more anxiety related to emotional stress. These symptoms are more common in the first few weeks of a heart attack. Heart Attack Symptoms In Men One of the early signs of a heart attack in men is persistent chest pain, which can last for 15 minutes or longer. Men are generally less aware of their symptoms, which is a major cause of concern. It is essential to see your Doctor when you feel exhausted and have chest discomfort to deduct and treat your early symptoms. Consult a cardiology specialist for early diagnosis and care. Here is a list of common heart attack symptoms experienced by men: 1. Unusual Tiredness: Prolonged tiredness and fatigue sometimes, lasting for many days. 2. Insomnia: Insomnia or loss of sleep 3. Anxiety: Nervousness or dullness and anxiety 4. Chest discomfort: The most frequent and intense symptoms in men include chest pain, a feeling of fullness, tightness, and pressure. 5. Pain in arms, neck and jaw: Additional serious symptoms can include pain in the left arm, back, neck, and jaw. 6. Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath or irregular breathing often accompanies chest pain and discomfort 7. Cold sweat: Cold sweat or sudden body chillness that seems unusual. 8. Fatigue: Most women face fatigue more during heart attacks than men, but some men can also feel fatigued or exhausted. 9. Nauseated symptoms: Men feel nauseated and dizzy. Prevention Of Heart Attacks & Lifestyle Modification: Research & Observations A recent study and research revealed that women’s overall heart health is better than that of men. Women performed well in the results since they followed a balanced and healthy diet. The tests took into account factors such as diet, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. However, women are at a higher risk of experiencing strokes compared to men. Once you are diagnosed with a heart attack, it is important to monitor your heart health and follow a healthy lifestyle. The test research presented at the American College of Cardiology was based on various criteria, including diet, sleep, physical activity, smoking, body mass index(BMI), blood glucose, lipids, and blood pressure. The multi-speciality healthcare at Meridian Hospital is a leading hospital in Chennai that provides comprehensive diagnosis and cardiac treatment for men and women. Overall health modification after a heart attack- Care and prevention After a heart attack occurs, you need to be extra careful and prevent heart disease by modifying your diet and making healthier choices. Heart health experts suggest including more nutrients and adding vegetables, fibre, and grains that will help regulate HDL or good cholesterol levels. The reasons for a heart attack are many, and among women, it is essential to monitor your health since they are more predisposed to attacks after menopause; for both men and women, regular sleep, yoga and exercises are recommended to maintain a good lifestyle since anxiety and worry can make them more susceptible to another attack. Meridian Hospital helps manage the journey of a heart patient from the early stage of a heart attack to medical care and treatment after an attack, helping them live a healthier life. Book an appointment now to consult with a cardiologist. FAQs FAQ 1. What are the main differences in heart attack symptoms between women and men? The key differences in heart attacks include various factors based on age, the hormonal differences in men and women, and the type of heart attacks. Men are commonly affected by coronary artery disease, whereas women are more prone to developing it. Women are also more likely than men to experience a stroke. FAQ 2. What Are the Common Warning Signs of a Heart Attack? Common heart attack symptoms involve chest pain along with sensations of pressure, tightness, and squeezing in the chest area. Pain in arms, neck and jaw, nausea, fatigue, heavy breathing, sleeplessness and anxiety. FAQ3: Why do women have a lower risk of heart attacks compared to men? Women are less prone to heart attacks since the estrogen content in their hormones protects them from heart diseases. Women have higher levels of total cholesterol, and the estrogen content in them increases HDL, or
Heart Attack Symptoms: Meaning, Early Warning Signs & How to Recover
Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or sudden fatigue, are these signs of stress, or something more serious? Understanding the early symptoms of a heart attack is key to recognizing danger before it becomes deadly. Many heart attack sufferers report vague symptoms days or even weeks before the event. But without awareness, these signals are missed, and treatment comes too late. This article will help you decode those early warning signs, explain what a heart attack means, and offer insight into recovery steps. By staying informed, you’re not just reacting—you’re prepared. What are the early signs of a heart attack? Early signs of an attack include chest discomfort, fatigue, sweating, pain in the back and jaw, dizziness, and nausea. These early signs need to be monitored with close attention to save you from unawareness. Did you know? One can also get a heart attack without any symptoms. This is called a silent heart attack when one has a myocardial infarction he suffers from this condition. The flow of blood and oxygen to the heart is blocked in these cases leading to discomfort and sudden loss of breath. This is more dangerous since you do not understand the symptoms, however, it is better to consult a doctor sooner to avoid further damage and suffering. Did you know? In India, 35% of deaths occur due to Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), these occur due to more deaths in West Bengal and Punjab. This is quite an alarming number and only early diagnosis and specialised treatment can help the patients suffering. Researchers still cannot tell the number of people who do not know the early heart attack symptoms in India. Why must one ignore the symptoms you may ask? This happens due to Myocardial infarctions or silent heart attacks where the patient doesn’t understand the causes or symptoms of the attack. Symptoms of a heart attack Signs of heart attack vary from person to person as understanding the pain and discussing these points elaborately with him will help you address the pain. At times of an attack, a patient feels unconscious and unable to explain these symptoms in detail. Discussing with family members and consulting a Doctor, is the first and immediate step for a speedy recovery. Chest pain The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain a patient may experience severe squeezing, crushing, or heaviness in the chest causing discomfort. Pain and discomfort in the jaw, back and neck Psychologists say a patient can experience a range of emotions due to life-changing experiences; a sudden shock or anger can lead to anxiety and tension. Symptoms of pain in the jaw, back, and neck can be treated now with personalized care. Dizziness and nausea Symptoms like dizziness and nausea are also indicators of a heart attack. When a patient feels faintish and has vomiting sensations it may be due to a heart attack. Heart pain, difficulty in breathing Suffocating feelings and uneasiness in breathing are also some common symptoms that make the patient feel heavy. Symptoms like panting and heavy breathing are related to heart attack. Psychological symptoms Stress and Anxiety- Worry, stress, and anxiety are a few psychological symptoms that patients feel post or before an attack; these can disrupt the healing procedure leading to more complications. Sadness, anger, and social withdrawal- Some patients feel sad, and angry and lose interest in family interactions. These feelings can be due to the post-surgery strain or pain. Cardiophobia- Another interesting psychological syndrome is cardiophobia which patients experience due to anxiety of another attack. Once an attack happens there are many probabilities for repeated attacks. Silent heart attacks A silent heart attack or silent myocardial infarction(SMI) occurs without any symptoms. It is a type of heart attack that causes damage to the heart muscle. There is no evident chest pain as in other heart attack types, making its symptoms unknown or silent. consult a doctor sooner to avoid further damage and suffering. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of silent heart conditions, visit Meridian’s cardiology department in Chennai. Symptoms of heart attack among women Symptoms of heart attack among women are the same as those of men. However, researchers say fewer women are prone to attacks as compared to men. Common symptoms of an attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Chest pain: Chest pain is common among men and women. Women feel symptoms like squeezing or fullness in the chest. Difficulty breathing: Breathing is another symptom of a heart attack in women. When a patient finds breathing hard, she may be having an attack. Not all breathing difficulty is a heart attack. Sweating: A person with an attack may experience cold sweats. This symptom is common for men and women. Tiredness & Fatigue: Weakness, dizziness, and fatigue are other heart attack symptoms in women. Nausea: Nauseatic or vomiting sensation. Pain in arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach: Pain in arms, back, and neck caused by chest discomfort. When to call for emergency help Emergency help is needed in critical conditions like road accidents, fire accidents, sudden heart attacks, disabling conditions, and other critical ailments needing immediate support. Emergency helpline service number India. Key takeaways There are numerous symptoms of heart attack. Sometimes a heart attack can nearly be felt because of conditions like a silent heart attack. It is important to call the health and support line to discuss your heart health for speedy recovery, diagnosis, and treatment. Meridian Hospital Chennai, has a dedicated team of cardiologists that provide care and diagnosis for complex interventions and procedures. Book an appointment for heart health support. FAQs How to prevent a heart attack? If you want to prevent a heart attack or another attack from happening, make a change in your daily activities. Choosing a diet plan and monitoring your blood sugar levels are essential to keep yourself healthy. Avoid smoking & drinking. What is a left arm attack symptom? Left arm pain is another symptomatic cause of a heart attack. A patient experiences
What is the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?
When it comes to heart emergencies, knowing the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest can be the difference between saving a life and losing one. Both sound serious, and they are, but they affect the body in different ways and need different responses. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to tell them apart or what steps to take when they occur. That confusion leads to hesitation, which is dangerous in medical emergencies. In this article, we’ll simplify the medical jargon and explain clearly what sets these two conditions apart, how to spot them, and what to do next. Being prepared brings peace of mind. Key Differences between Heart attack and cardiac arrest Feature Heart attack Cardiac arrest Meaning Heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked in the (Coronary arteries) A cardiac arrest is a sudden non-functioning of the heart occurring due to arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. Causes Blocked coronary arteries Abnormal heart rhythm (Arrhythmia) Symptoms Squeezing or tightness in the heart. Shock-like heartburn in the heart. Patient’s response Tiredness or anxiety Unable to blink, unresponsive. First Aid Aspirin as per Doctor’s advice. Give CPR or call for immediate help. Emergency care Call the Emergency helpline, CPR if needed. Call the emergency helpline, Initiate CPR and AED. Six Differences between-Heart attack & Cardiac arrest Meaning Heart Attack: A heart attack is a condition when blood flow to the heart is blocked or reduced. Heart blockage is because of the fat and cholesterol accumulation in the arteries causing discomfort in the heart. Cardiac arrest: A cardiac arrest is much different from a heart attack; it means a sudden stop of blood flow to the organ’s brain and the heart stops pumping all of a sudden. Causes: A heart attack is caused when the coronary arteries are damaged and a cardiac arrest is caused due to Arrhythmia or an abnormal heart rhythm. Symptoms: When a patient suffers from symptoms like Chest pain-Squeezing or tightness he might be facing a heart attack. A person with Severe shock-like heartburn may have a sudden cardiac arrest. It is fatal and needs immediate care. Patient’s responses Usually, a patient with a heart attack faces tiredness and anxiety. For a person with cardiac arrest, it is different and severe. He is unable to blink and speak and is unresponsive with severe heartburn. First Aid Take an Aspirin as per your Doctor’s advice for a cardiac arrest. For a cardiac arrest call for immediate help and give Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or (CPR) Emergency Care The emergency care and treatment for a heart attack and cardiac arrest are different. Doctors know what is best for a patient. In both cases, do not ignore the symptoms. Call the emergency care helpline immediately for help. For cardiac arrest CPR and AED Automated, external defibrillators are given immediately by trained Doctors and professionals. In case of a heart attack, seek immediate admission even if you are unsure of the symptoms. CPR for patients needing emergency care for severe heart attack conditions. Access 24×7 emergency care and specialized cardiac services at our Meridian hospital in Kolathur, Chennai. What is a heart attack? A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked or reduced. Heart blockage is because of the fat and cholesterol accumulation in the arteries. Once the blood flow to the heart is blocked the person feels difficulty to breathe, and the activity of his other organs is affected. It is important to treat a heart attack without ignoring the symptoms. Symptoms of heart attack The symptoms of a heart attack are different from those of a cardiac arrest. Let’s learn. Chest pain, that feels like squeezing or ache Heartburn or indigestion Sweat, Nausea, breathing difficulty Pain in shoulder, jaw teeth, and upper belly. Causes of heart attack Heart attacks are caused due to clogging in the coronary arteries. This happens due to cholesterol deposits called plaques. Coronary artery disease causes most heart attacks. In coronary artery disease, one or more of the heart (coronary) arteries are blocked. This is usually due to cholesterol-containing deposits called plaques. Plaques can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. In an acute complete blockage, a medium or large artery is blocked leading to an ST elevation or myocardial infarction. These terms may be extremely new and can create paranoia among patients and families consulting the best Doctor will help in a speedy recovery. It is better to be aware but let us not unnecessarily google. Cardiac arrest is a more severe condition that can be fatal leading to death. According to the Indian Heart Association, India alone accounts for 60% of the world’s heart disease cases. 50% of Indian men suffer from heart attacks under the age of 50 years. Cardiac diseases are also common among women. What is a cardiac arrest? A cardiac arrest is more unexpected and this happens due to a sudden stop of blood flow to the organ’s heart stops pumping all of a sudden. Arrhythmia is a condition when the rhythm of the heart is slightly abnormal leading to an electrical failure of the heart sending no signals to the brain and vital organs. Cardiac arrest is a more severe condition that can be fatal leading to death. According to the Indian Heart Association, India alone accounts for 60% of the world’s heart disease cases. 50% of Indian men suffer from heart attacks under the age of 50 years. Cardiac diseases are also common among women. Symptoms of Cardiac arrest A sudden cardiac arrest is very fatal and its magnitude differs from person to person. Let’s look at the common symptoms that are experienced by patients. Sudden shocks and pain in the heart Low pulse, Breathing difficulty Pain and uneasiness in the chest Causes of Cardiac arrest The common cause of cardiac arrest is a sudden or drastic change in the pattern or rhythm of the heart, which is also called arrhythmia. However, a cardiac arrest may
