Heart attack in women

Nadia Badarudin talks to a cardiologist who says heart disease affects men and women differently

Some women may experience neck pain or pressure in the upper back when a heart attack is about to strike.

ACCORDING to facts and figures, heart disease is more prevalent in men. Dr G.S. Sridhar, a cardiologist who specialises in interventional cardiology at Sri Kota Medical Centre, says men develop heart disease at an earlier age compared to women. However, women have a higher risk of developing it after menopause.

“Female hormones protect women. However, their risk of getting a heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases increases after menopause. “And when it comes to a heart attack, what Heart attack symptoms in women

can be different from men.

men experience may not be the same as women,” he says.

According to WebMD, women may experience “silent” or vague symptoms of a heart attack such as stomach pain, fatigue and cold sweats.

Below, Dr Sridhar addresses some common questions about a heart attack and how it affects women.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HEART ATTACK AND CARDIAC ARREST?

Myocardial infarction or heart attack is a serious medical emergency in which blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually due to a blood clot. The longer the person goes without treatment, the greater the damage to the heart.

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating due to an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) caused by an electrical malfunction.

With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot pump blood to other organs. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment.

Signs of a heart attack may include intense discomfort in the chest or other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweats, and/or nausea/vomiting. Chest pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, stomach and back can all be symptoms of a heart attack. More often, though, the symptoms start slowly and persist for hours, days or weeks before the attack. Dr Sridhar says the risk of heart disease in women increases after menopause.

ARE SYMPTOMS SIMILAR IN MEN AND WOMEN? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS THAT WOMEN COMMONLY IGNORE? Symptoms in women can be different from men. Although chest pain and pressure are characteristic symptoms, some women may experience more lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue, fainting or pressure in the upper back. A feeling of indigestion or reflux-type pain and feeling unwell or lethargic could also be signs of a heart attack.

It is possible to have a heart attack without experiencing chest pain. This is more common in diabetics and is due to nerve damage which can affect how a person feels.

WHAT SHOULD ONE DO WHEN SYMPTOMS OCCUR?

Call 999 immediately even if you are not sure whether it is a heart attack. It is important to rest while waiting for help to avoid unnecessary strain to the heart. If the person is not allergic to aspirin, give him 300mg aspirin while waiting for the ambulance. Aspirin helps to thin the blood and restore supply to the heart.

CAN A PERSON WHO HAS HAD A HEART ATTACK EXERCISE? WHAT TYPES OF EXERCISE ARE SUITABLE?

Yes, but it depends on the patient’s recovery rate and the amount of damage to the heart muscles.

The most important thing is to start slowly. Choose an aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, light jogging or cycling and do it at a slower pace, three or four times a week.

Always do five minutes of stretching to warm up the muscles and heart before exercising and allow time to cool down after the activity. Be aware of chest pain or symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, nausea or irregular heartbeat or pulse.

ANY HEART HEALTH TIPS FOR WOMEN? As a woman gets older, it is important to be aware of risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking or a family history of heart disease.

Be physically active, watch your diet and go for regular health screening. Quit smoking if you are a smoker. If you are diabetic or have hypertension or hyperlipidaemia, keep your risk factors under control. For patients who have experienced a heart attack, do not miss your medication.