As any CPR class will tell you, recognizing and understanding the symptoms of a heart attack is crucial. Time is of the essence in these situations and knowing what you are dealing with means that first aid and CPR can be administered more quickly, or an AED used to help get the heart beating again.
Many of us are familiar with the more common symptoms, such as chest pain and nausea, but research by experts such as the American Heart Association (or AHA) recently found that the symptoms of a heart attack may present themselves differently in women to men. The signs are thought to be more silent, and this potentially makes them more dangerous, as they are less likely to be caught and diagnosed in time.
Whether you are aiming for certification, attending CPR training, or even just want to be more aware, it is imperative that these differences are recognized. It could save the lives of hundreds of women.
Chest pain or discomfort
Chest pain is the most obvious and easily seen sign of a heart attack in both men and women. Both sexes may experience a crushing feeling within the chest area, but women are more likely to also feel a fullness in the whole chest area –not only on the right-hand side. Many women have described it as ‘vice-like,’ and this is an obvious sign that something is wrong.
Radiating pain in the extremities
Women are far more likely to experience radiating pain, usually in the jaw, neck, arms, and back. This is often mistaken for muscle strain or another condition, especially if the patient is particularly active or has been under a lot of physical strain. The pain can be gradual or sharp and may create a waxing and waning effect. If this appears with other symptoms, it could be a heart attack.
Stomach pains
As with radiating pain, many women will dismiss stomach pain as something else, assuming that they have eaten food which disagrees with them, or that they are suffering from stomach flu, indigestion, or even menstrual cramps. In some cases, however, there could be a more sinister cause. If you feel as though an intense pressure is being applied to your abdominal area, this could be the sign that you are having a heart attack, and you should seek urgent medical attention.
Cold sweats
Cold sweats immediately before an attack are more common in women and can be an early symptom of what is coming. If you are experiencing a cold sweat in a calm situation, combined with tiredness and fatigue, this could be something more serious.
Noticing these signs can potentially save someone’s life, so whether you are an observer, a first aid responder in a workplace, or just interested in learning, make sure you have the tools you need to step in when it counts the most.
If you are with someone who suffers a heart attack, remember that CPR is the most effective solution to keeping them alive. It may be worth enrolling in CPR classes if you do not feel confident. This skill could make a huge difference.
