Cardiac Pain: Positioning, Indicators, and Further Insights
In the realm of heart health, it's crucial to be aware of the signs that could indicate a heart attack, especially as women may experience atypical symptoms compared to men.
While chest pain remains the most common heart attack symptom in both sexes, women frequently present with atypical symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, jaw pain, and shortness of breath, rather than the classic chest pain pattern commonly seen in men.
One such atypical symptom is back pain, particularly in females. Back pain due to a heart attack may feel like a feeling of pressure or tightness in the upper back, similar to having a rope tied around the chest and back. This pain can be diffuse, making it difficult to pinpoint its exact location.
It's important to recognize this difference between chest pain from a pulled muscle and a heart attack. If back pain is accompanied by other signs such as shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or sweating, it's essential to seek immediate medical help.
Other signs of a heart attack can include chest pain, arm pain, sweating, nausea, and fatigue. Women are more likely to experience multiple subtle symptoms simultaneously and may not have the classical chest pain, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Recognizing these differences is critical as women's cardiac symptoms are often mistaken for non-cardiac issues such as indigestion or anxiety, which can increase risk due to delayed care. Women’s symptoms also tend to occur more often during rest or emotional stress rather than physical exertion, unlike in men.
Every year, approximately 790,000 people in the United States experience a heart attack. If a person experiences any warning signs of a heart attack, they should seek medical help immediately. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both males and females.
It's worth noting that a person may experience "silent heart attacks," where they do not notice any symptoms. Approximately 1 in 5 heart attacks occur without the person being aware. The faster someone responds to possible signs of a heart attack, the better the outlook and effectiveness of the care they receive.
In summary, understanding atypical heart attack symptoms, particularly in women, is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know experiences any unusual symptoms such as back pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or fatigue, don't hesitate to call 911. Your quick action could save a life.
[1] American Heart Association. (2019). Heart disease and stroke statistics - 2019 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 139(10), e56–e528. [2] American Heart Association. (2018). Women and heart disease: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-disease-and-stroke-news/women-and-heart-disease-what-you-need-to-know [3] American Heart Association. (2020). Women and heart disease: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-disease-and-stroke-news/women-and-heart-disease-what-you-need-to-know [4] American Heart Association. (2019). Women and heart disease: Know the facts. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-disease-and-stroke-news/women-and-heart-disease-know-the-facts [5] American Heart Association. (2020). Women and heart disease: Know the facts. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-disease-and-stroke-news/women-and-heart-disease-know-the-facts
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