Chest pain spreading to the arm, tightness – these are the signs that many heart attacks are associated with. But this is especially true for men. Severe cardiovascular disease manifests itself completely differently in women.
Heart attack It is considered a male disease – in fact they are affected twice as often as women.1 However, about 20,000 women die every year of heart attack. In addition, the chances of recovery for survivors are worse than for men.2 It is therefore important and potentially lifesaving if women show early signs of a heart attack or brain attack Recognize this – the treacherous thing: Symptoms are different from those of men. FITBOOK explains what women should watch out for.
Cardiovascular disease in women
Researchers at the American Heart Association are concerned that women don’t seem to care enough about cardiovascular disease. While many are on the subject breast cancer They are so enlightened and take preventative care seriously that, according to one study, they often don’t realize that it’s not just men who have heart problems.3
Add to that the symptoms of a heart attack and stroke heart failure It is often different in women than in men. For example, heart disease in women is accompanied by a wide range of warning signs. Classic symptoms that occur in men cannot be ruled out. But there are other signs in women that are more subtle or less obvious.4
Also interesting: 7 steps to a healthy heart
Heart attack symptoms in women (compared to men)
Typical symptoms in men (and also possible in women):5
- Sudden and severe chest pain
- The pain spreads to other parts of the body (such as the arms).
Women should also look for these signs:
- nausea
- drowsiness
- extreme tiredness
- cold sweat
Younger women (under 55) often have three or more heart attack symptoms at the same time, including:
- jaw pain
- neck pain
- Pain in the arms and/or shoulders
- Back ache
- Heart or chest palpitations
- heartburn
Also interesting: Ireland Baldwin Suffers From Cardiophobia – What’s Behind It?
Stroke symptoms in women (compared to men)
Typical symptoms in men (and also possible in women):
- sagging facial features
- arm weakness
- signs of paralysis
- language difficulties
- confusion
- Dizziness
Women should also look for these signs:
- Headache
- severe mental confusion
Signs of heart failure in women (compared to men)
Typical symptoms in men (and also possible in women):
- Shortness of breath
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- Anorexia
- fatigue
- Mood Swings
- memory disorders
Women should also look for these signs:
Symptoms of heart valve disease in women and men
Typical symptoms in men (and may also in women):
Women should also look for these signs:
- Shortness of breath
- Poor flexibility (eg during sports)
- physical weakness
