Women & Heart Attack Warning Signs
Many women try to deny what is happening, believing they can't be having a heart attack. They may try to wait and see if the symptoms go away, delaying treatment and putting their lives in danger.
Don't make this mistake. A heart attack can strike anyone, of any age. Make sure your friends, coworkers and family know the warning signs and tell them to make sure you get help immediately.
Women often experience these warning signs:
Mild chest pain, stomach or abdominal pain, rather than the typical "crushing" chest pain.
Nausea or dizziness.
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue.
Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness.
Other Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms.
Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
If you believe you might be having a heart attack chew a full-strength (325 mg) aspirin and call your emergency medical system immediately! Make sure the emergency team knows you may be having a heart attack.
Remember, getting to an emergency room may mean the difference between life and death, so act quickly.
SOURCE: National Women's Health Information Center , Dept. of Health & Human Services , http://www.4woman.org/
