When heart attacks are portrayed on TV or in movies, they almost always happen the same way. Someone (usually a man) stops moving and talking, and his eyes go wide. He clutches his chest, gasps that his left arm is numb, then falls to the ground. It’s a dramatic scene, but it’s not really how heart attacks happen in the real world. In fact, heart attack symptoms can be much more varied. Moreover, men and women often experience significantly different symptoms.
In order to be aware and understand whether you may be having a heart attack, it’s first important to know the possible symptoms. We’ll go over how those symptoms differ in men and women, as detailed by WomenHeart.
What is a Heart Attack?
Heart attacks occur when a main artery becomes either partially or completely blocked, cutting off blood flow to the heart. This can happen for a variety of reasons.
What are the Symptoms in Women?
For women, heart attacks are more commonly caused by plague erosion. This occurs when smaller pieces of plaque break off and partially block arteries. Because this is a more subtle stop of blood flow, symptoms aren’t always completely indicative of a heart attack. This is why it’s even more important for women to know the potential symptoms and advocate for themselves. Half of women who have heart attacks don’t experience any form of chest pain!
Symptoms include:
- Chest pain, discomfort and pressure
- Back and neck pain
- Arm and jaw pain
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Dizziness
- Sudden, extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
What are the Symptoms in Men?
In comparison, men are more likely to experience a complete stoppage of blood flow to the heart. This is because plaque usually ruptures off the artery wall, creating a large blood clot. The symptoms may be more sudden and severe.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden chest pain, discomfort and pressure
- Left arm pain
- Cold sweats
Just like it’s important to know your heart attack risk, it’s essential to know what to do if someone near you begins to show symptoms. HeartCert CPR offers FREE CPR and First Aid courses through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Sign up today!
HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:
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- HeartCert CPR St. Paul
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- HeartCert CPR Eden Prairie
- HeartCert CPR Richfield
- HeartCert CPR Woodbury
- HeartCert CPR Eagan
- HeartCert CPR Brooklyn Park
- HeartCert CPR Blaine
- HeartCert CPR St. Cloud
- HeartCert CPR Rochester
- HeartCert CPR Mankato
- HeartCert CPR Duluth
We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.
