{"id":1622,"date":"2016-02-23T21:31:23","date_gmt":"2016-02-23T21:31:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/imjussayin.com\/blog\/?p=1622"},"modified":"2016-10-01T18:53:41","modified_gmt":"2016-10-01T18:53:41","slug":"heart-attack-are-you-having-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imjussayin.com\/blog\/heart-attack-are-you-having-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Heart Attack \u2013 Are You having One?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

Sadly, I have learned of another woman who died of a heart attack. Family and friends were shocked because her death was entirely unexpected but a heart attack can give warning signs. \u00a0Heart attacks are the biggest killer of women. Listeners on Galaxy 102.5FM were astounded by this when I raised the topic last year.<\/p>\n

A heart attack may have early warning signs; perhaps providing even a month\u2019s notice.\u00a0 These early warning signs can be confused with a cold or even, dependent on age, the menopause.\u00a0 The best way to prevent a heart attack is by recognising the symptoms and acting on them.\u00a0 Treatment is most effective when administered immediately after the symptoms occur.<\/p>\n

A heart attack is damage to the heart muscle that occurs due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle; depriving the heart muscle of the oxygen it needs to function properly.\u00a0 The damage results in the warning signs outlined below.<\/p>\n

Chest Pain, Jaw Pain, Toothache, Headaches<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Chest pain is still the most common symptom of heart attack in 60% of cases.\u00a0 Have all chest pain examined!<\/p>\n

However, approximately 40% of women have no chest pain.\u00a0 Women are also more often likely to have other symptoms.\u00a0 Women have reported toothache and headaches as a symptom of a heart attack.<\/p>\n

Weakness, Fatigue, and Fainting<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

If your body suddenly becomes weak, it may be a result of the arteries in the heart constricting.\u00a0 This restriction will prevent the blood from circulating and reduce the oxygen to muscles.\u00a0 Consequently, a woman may faint for no apparent reason. \u00a0If this happens to you, don\u2019t feel silly get medical attention.<\/p>\n

The narrowing of the arteries also causes fatigue because the heart has to work that much harder.\u00a0 Women may be left feeling exhausted, drowsy or light-headed.\u00a0 It may cause you to wake up tired or struggle to get through the day.\u00a0 Seek medical attention.<\/p>\n

Shortness of Breath<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The lungs, like the muscles, suffer from a lack of oxygen when the arteries are constricted. The lack of oxygen hampers breathing. Therefore, fatigue and or weakness may be accompanied by a shortness of breath without any chest pain.\u00a0 Shortness of breath may also occur before or during the chest pain of a heart attack.\u00a0 Don\u2019t wait, seek medical attention immediately.<\/p>\n

Toronto\u2019s Women\u2019s College Hospital reported that 43% of women experienced unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting during a heart attack \u2013 but no chest symptoms.<\/p>\n

Cold Sweats and Dizziness<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The heart is a pump; that pushes blood around your body.\u00a0 The arteries, when constricted, reduce the flow of blood to the brain.\u00a0 Initial signs of this are colds sweats and dizziness.\u00a0 Do not ignore these signs and put it down to other causes.\u00a0 Seek medical attention.<\/p>\n

Coughs, Cold and \u2018Flu Symptoms<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Women have often reported that they had a cold or the \u2018flu immediately before experiencing a heart attack.\u00a0 These are an early warning sign.\u00a0 If you are showing symptoms of either a cold, \u2018flu and, or a persistent dry barking cough and you cannot trace how you became ill, then contact your doctor.\u00a0 It is better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\n

Heart Burn, Indigestion, and Stomach Pain<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Patients have reported heart attacks as starting as an uncomfortable feeling or a stabbing pain in the middle of the upper abdomen (above the belly button).\u00a0 The pain tends to persist for more than a few minutes and can occur with or without pain in the true chest area.\u00a0 Sufferers have described this pain as heartburn.<\/p>\n

Some people experiencing a heart attack can have belching and burping and express a feeling of indigestion.<\/p>\n

Upper Back Pain, Shoulder, and Neck<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The upper back is another common location for the spread of the pain from a heart attack. \u00a0Most commonly, back pain that stems from a heart attack is described as occurring between the shoulder blades.<\/p>\n

A burning sensation or tightness in the neck, throat or armpits can also be an indication of heart trouble.\u00a0 Seek medical advice.<\/p>\n

Other symptoms include restlessness, insomnia or anxiety.\u00a0 Numbness of the hands, feet and lips, which may also turn bluish.<\/p>\n

Silent Heart Attacks<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

In one American study one-third of the patients who had heart attacks had no chest pain.\u00a0 These patients were more likely to be older, female, or diabetic.<\/p>\n

The more signs and symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you’re having a heart attack.\u00a0 Women often ignore early warning signs because they are busy looking after everybody else!<\/p>\n

Acting quickly can save your life.<\/p>\n

Call 999 for an ambulance and say \u2018I think I am having a heart attack.’<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Chew one uncoated Aspirin (if you are not allergic<\/u><\/em>) while waiting.\u00a0 This action can limit the damage to your heart and save your life.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I have looked at the relationship of women and heart disease in the post\u00a0<\/a> Science & Health of Women<\/a> and The Trans-Women Debate.<\/p>\n

Connect with me on Twitter: <\/b>www.twitter.com\/imjussayin2<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

A Medical Doctor On Women’s Symptoms<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n