The Subtle Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

The American Heart Association is calling for greater awareness after a study of women ages 18-55 years-old found women who have a heart attack at a younger age tend to have worse outcomes and more recurring issues than our male counterparts.   

Even though heart disease is the no.1 killer of women in the united states, women often chalk up the symptoms to less life-threatening conditions such as acid reflux, the flu or normal aging.  The American Heart Association is calling for greater awareness after a study of women ages 18-55 years-old found women who have a heart attack at a younger age tend to have worse outcomes and more recurring issues than our male counterparts.   On average, women wait longer to get help, arriving 6 hours after symptoms.  Speaking of the symptoms they can be subtle which makes it tricky.   Some can feel like upper back pressure, a feeling of squeezing or as if a rope is tied around, dizziness, and lightheadedness.  Fainting can also by a clue.  Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if the person doesn’t get help right away.  Findings were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. For more information, on heart health, visit heart.org or click here to read about the various symptoms of a heart attack in women.