The theory that a heart attack taking place for men differs to that happening for a woman has been around for a long time with many people suggesting that it may simply be a myth. But is it a myth or are the signs different?

It is, in fact, a myth that symptoms are different because they vary from one person to the next. What makes up the misconception is that some symptoms may make women less likely to ask for and receive medical treatment.

Not only do these misconceptions delay diagnosis, but they make poor outcomes more likely, and even though heart disease kills more women per year than breast cancer, it is still considered to be a man’s disease.

What are the most common signs?

• Sudden pain followed by persistent pain or discomfort in the chest area, which feels like tightness, squeezing or pressure
• Pain which spreads to either arm as well as the neck, jaw, stomach or back
• Sick feeling, sweaty, short of breath or light headedness

Other less well recognised signs are:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath without chest discomfort
• Feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint
• Nausea, indigestion and vomiting
• Cold sweats or sweating
• Anxiety feelings which feel like panic attacks
• Lots of coughing or wheezing

It is important to remember that you may experience one or a combination of these symptoms, and looking at the list it is very easy to see why they may be ignored until they worsen.

What to do if you suspect a heart attack?

It is vital that, if you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack, to call 999 for an ambulance right away. 

• Call 999 for an ambulance
• Sit down and try to keep calm
• If possible chew 300mg aspirin if you have it, and are not allergic to it
• Stay in one place until the ambulance arrives

So why do we think the symptoms are different?

Both men and women experience the same chest pain or discomfort, but typically a woman may also feel shortness of breath, sickness and vomiting, with back or jaw pain. 

What makes it seem different is that women may be less inclined to seek help for their symptoms. In fact, women are more likely to ignore them and hope that they go away.

Should we call for help if we are worried about a heart attack?

If you have any symptoms of a heart attack then you should at the very least call 111 to be assessed. 

Never feel that you are wasting people's time and do not delay because you think that the hospital may be too busy.

Delays may mean that you could eventually suffer serious heart damage and your condition could worsen drastically. It is far better to get to a hospital and rule out a heart attack than to wait for things to improve.

Final thoughts

For anyone who is having a heart attack, treatment to resume blood flow to the heart as soon as possible will help to limit the amount of damage to the heart and should be started urgently.

Additionally, if you are between 40 and 74 years of age, and are living in the UK you can ask for an NHS health check to find out if you are at risk. 

Tags:

1

Go Back to Previous Page

Live in care jobs