Ladies, listen to your body. Even though heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, women often mistake the symptoms of heart attack to less life-threatening conditions like the flu or aging.
At least 10% of women experience no chest pain during a heart attack. Although the classic signs of heart attack, like crushing chest pain or arm pain, can happen to any individual experiencing a cardiac emergency, women don’t always get the same classic symptoms as men.
Signs and Symptoms
If you are experiencing the following signs of heart attack, seek immediate medical attention or call 911:
> Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or pain in center of chest.
> Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
> Shortness of breath.
> Nausea, dizziness or general feeling of discomfort.
When a heart attack strikes, every minute matters. Approximately every 40 seconds, an American will have a heart attack.
Seton Medical Center Harker Heights is an Accredited Chest Pain Center with access to life-saving support services. Facilities that have received this accreditation have achieved a high level of expertise in dealing with patients who present with symptoms of a heart attack.
Schedule an appointment with your provider to learn your personal risk for heart disease. To find a provider, click here.