Heart Attack In Women: Differences With Men?
We can all have a heart attack even though many do not know it. It is, in fact, one of the most frequent causes of sudden death. In this article we see the differences between heart attacks in women and men.
What is heart attack?
Also known as cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction is a disease in which the heart muscle is compromised. In short, a heart attack is the result of a malfunction of said muscle, a condition that causes various risks; among these, death.
This problem occurs when the heart or coronary region does not receive the sufficient amount of oxygenated blood usually due to arterial obstructions.
Heart muscle tissue death occurs when oxygen is depleted in said area due to a lack of blood circulation.
Why does heart attack occur?
As mentioned, the main cause of myocardial infarction is arterial obstruction in the coronary region of the heart. It should be mentioned that the normal function of the main organ related to the cardiac system depends on the blood circulation; without it, problems begin to emerge, including heart attack.
This arterial obstruction can occur for several reasons; the most relevant are:
- Excessive coronary effort
- Blood clots in the arteries
- Coronary thrombosis
- Atherosclerosis
- Cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
How to recognize a heart attack?
Heart attack is commonly accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Sweating
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Disorders in arms and shoulders (especially in the left side)
Heart attack in women and men
Heart attack is a problem for all people; however, there are differences between the two genders. Although it may seem strange, there is talk of a heart attack in women and affects women of any age. But how are the two types of heart attack distinguished? To be able to recognize them, you need to pay attention to certain indicators. Let’s see them.
Fatigue with no apparent cause
Unexplained tiredness or exhaustion can be associated with various health problems or illnesses; the most common are stress and anxiety. However, this symptom may be due to heart or circulatory failure.
It is the consequence of the partial obstruction of the coronary arteries that reduces the blood supply to the heart, causing various problems.
Anxiety
This symptom largely resembles the one already mentioned. When you suffer from anxiety, don’t let time pass, especially when it is accompanied by pain similar to a puncture in the chest.
It must be remembered that anxiety or stress favor the onset of a heart attack; therefore, you need to be alert .
Pain in the neck and arms
Pain in these areas of the body can be associated with a build-up of stress, fatigue or poor posture. In fact, women with insufficient cardiovascular system usually present this symptomatological picture.
The ideal is not to neglect these pains which can gradually compromise the heart muscle. Although men can also have these symptoms in the moments leading up to a heart attack, in women it is a more lasting and common symptom.
Respiratory problems
Any unusual symptoms related to the respiratory tract can indicate heart failure, particularly a heart attack in women.
Cough, choking sensation and itchy throat occur ; the everything without outside framework of a viral or flu. According to health professionals, respiratory problems are very common in women who are at a higher risk of suffering from a myocardial infarction.
