We commonly think that a heart attack only comes out with severe pain behind the breastbone. But while it is the most commonly reported symptom, other, lesser-known symptoms may also herald a heart attack, which in addition may vary by gender. So what is the most common symptom of a heart attack in men, and how in women?
A heart attack, an acute coronary syndrome also known as a heart attack, occurs as a result of unexpected myocardial ischemia as a result of the closure of the coronary artery by a blood clot. The seriousness of a heart attack depends on the size of the blocked artery and the extent of the clot.
That is why myocardial infarction, although it is considered a state of immediate threat to life, does not always end in death, and its symptoms are varied. In any case, however, a patient with a heart attack must obtain professional help as soon as possible, including interventional dilatation of the artery and insertion of a stent to prevent re-closure of the artery.
Blockage of blood supply to the heart muscle, caused by the closure of the coronary artery, damages the heart and may also lead to ischemia of other organs. To be able to quickly help a person who has a heart attack, you need to know the main symptoms.
How does your heart hurt with a heart attack?
The main, most characteristic symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. The pain "spreads over the chest" and is felt over a large area. It is described as relentless, constant, strong, "crushing", radiating to the lower jaw, shoulders, neck, sometimes to the epigastrium. It can occur after exercise, which is a triggering factor, but it does not go away either after stopping exercise or after taking medications, even nitroglycerin, used by patients with ischemic heart disease. It is often accompanied by a feeling of extreme anxiety.
The symptoms of a heart attack may be different in men and women
According to The Heart Foundation, the most common symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain or discomfort, but they are not always severe and sometimes even absent, especially in women. Women are more likely than men to experience other symptoms of a heart attack, report researchers from the American College ofCardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA).
Symptoms of a heart attack in men
Symptoms of a heart attack in men are:
- sharp pain in the chest, behind the breastbone. It is most often described as a burning sensation behind the breastbone radiating to the jaw, neck and shoulders. The pain is burning, stretching, squeezing, it worsens with exertion.
- chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes. It may go away and come back, cause an unpleasant feeling of pressure and fullness.
- discomfort in one or both arms, neck, jaw, back
- stomach ache
- shortness of breath with or without a feeling of chest discomfort
- cold sweat
- feeling dizzy, anxious, anxious
- dizziness.
Symptoms of a heart attack in women
Symptoms of a heart attack in women are often unusual, milder, and therefore are sometimes confused with indigestion or menopause. For this reason, a heart attack in women is usually diagnosed later, which increases the risk of complications and reduces the chances of successful treatment.
Possible symptoms of a heart attack in women that should pay attention to are:
- chest pain (or pressure, feeling of fullness)
- sticking behind the sternum with or without abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
- pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw
- stomach ache
- feeling unwell
- extremely fast or slow heart rate
- feeling very tired
- pressure or burning in the "dimple"
- dizziness
- shortness of breath, breathing problems, shortness of breath
- palpitations
- cold sweat
- nausea, vomiting
- sleep disturbance.