Differences Between Men and Women

Let’s face it, we all know there are a lot of differences between men and women, but there is one really important difference everyone needs to know about and it has to do with your heart.

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary greatly between men and women. And, if you’re a woman, the symptoms can be very different than the typical signs everyone thinks about.

According to Dr. Richard Kay, a cardiologist from ColumbiaDoctors Medical Group in Hawthorne, “the classic heart attack symptoms, such as chest pains, are less common in women.”

Past studies have shown women are less likely than men to feel chest pain during a heart attack.

It turns out most women experience less specific, or atypical, symptoms when they are having a heart attack. Some of those atypical symptoms include: shortness of breath, weakness and unusual fatigue.

Other atypical symptoms a woman might experience are: nausea, dizziness, lower chest discomfort, abdominal pressure and upper back pain.

Dr. Kay says about half of all women having a heart attack experienced some signs before the attack actually begins, some for as long as a month before. These early symptoms can include: back, neck, or jaw pain, vomiting, indigestion, weakness, fatigue, dizziness and light-headedness.

“Women need to be aware of their bodies and keep on the lookout for new symptoms,” says Kay.

Kay also points out that even though the symptoms of a heart attack are different for men and women, the risk factors are basically the same.

“Cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking and physical inactivity are still the main risk factors,” he says.

But the good news is: “The ability to diagnose heart disease in women has come a long way,” said Kay.

“The key is getting treated quickly,” he adds. “If you think you’re having a heart attack, it’s not the time to go on the Internet to look up symptoms.”

There are many effective treatments, for men and women, but you need to get medical attention right away.

“Everyone talks about the golden hour, this is the time to go and get treated right away,” he urged.