BASETTERRE, St. Kitts – ARE women aware of the signs of a heart attack? And what they should do if they are experiencing these signs?
According to a study undertaken by Agency for Healthcare and Research Development, a large percentage of women are unaware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and it revealed that cardiovascular disease has accounted for one-third of all deaths worldwide.
SKNVibes Health takes a look at heart attacks and women.
It is said that a heart attack is triggere, by a huge buildup of fatty plaque in the coronary arteries. After the buildup, it thickens and forms a solid foundation which is a well-know form of heart disease called atherosclerosis.
“Atherosclerosis can block blood flow, and therefore oxygen, to the heart muscle and lead to a heart attack. Some risk factors for heart disease are a family history, elevated blood pressure and/or cholesterol, obesity, smoking, high stress levels and having a sedentary lifestyle, although you can have heart attacks without being predisposed to them. Less common causes include a blood clot and a blood-vessel tear in the heart (known as a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a rare condition that is most prevalent in ages 30 to 50),” according to American Television Broadcaster ABC.
There are a number of signs of a heart attack which may appear as a common illness. Some of these can be treated using home remedies:
Dizziness/light-headedness
One may develop a simple faint feeling which could mean that not enough blood is being pumped to the heart, in particular if you are suffering from shortness of breath.
Jaw pain
Women may experience a pain in their jaws which could be a sign of a pending heart attack. According to health experts the nerves attached to it lie close to ones that come out of your heart. If the pain is constant, you probably have a dental problem. However if it pops up intermittently and gets worse when you exert yourself, it is more likely heart-related.
Shortness of breath/racing heart
Because both panic attacks and heart attacks manifest via shortness of breath and or racing of the heart, it is difficult to tell which is taking place. Doctors have explained that a panic attack may be caused by a stressful event while other signs can include trembling, intense terror and an overwhelming sense of doom. Panic attacks are sudden and should pass within five minutes.
However, women's heart-attack symptoms tend to start slowly and linger.
Burning of the chest or back
Women often mistakenly take tightness, heaviness, pressure or a squeezing sensation as common signs of indigestion or heart burn related problems. The pain doesn't have to be severe or sudden; it could come and go for weeks.
Nausea/vomiting
You could have more than just a bug if your upset stomach comes along with other heart-related symptoms, such as shortness of breath, a cold sweat or pain in your chest or back.
Extreme fatigue
If you're unable to walk short distances without having to rest, this is a sign that one may need to visit a doctor or if you feel like you must stop and rest while carrying out daily activities, it could be a sign that your heart is not getting adequate blood supply quickly.
Tingling down one or both arms or legs
This is one sign that is often overlooked by most. It could mean you have got a pinched nerve or arthritis in your neck but "it's important to rule out heart problems first," says Nieca Goldberg, MD, Medical Director of the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women's Health at the NYU Langone Medical Center.
The NHS Choices website recommends that if one is not allergic to aspirin, they should slowly chew and swallow an adult size tablet or in other cases apply Chest Compression while awaiting the ambulance if a heart attach is being experienced.
Efforts at soliciting a comment from the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Patrick Martin, proved and at press time, he could not be reached via his mobile phone.
