It is usually said that men get heart attacks but women do not get it. The fact is women also get heart attacks like men and women experience the signs or symptoms of heart attack weeks before they actually get heart attacks. From the study on those women who suffered heart attacks it is clear that 80 percent of women had atleast 1 sign of heart attack four weeks before they actually got heart attacks. Women must seek help immediately when they get heart attacks. Many women after their menopause get heart attack due to the fact that estrogen levels decrease in them. It is important to note that estrogen has got positive effect on the inner layer of the arterial wall.
These are few symptoms or signs of heart attacks in women
Chest pain:
This chest pain occurs in both men and women and is an important sign of heart attack in both. The sensational piece of information is women could have heart attack without even having chest pain. Chest pain could be described as tightness, pressure, squeezing and aching.
Unusual or extreme fatigue:
Sometimes women feel extreme fatigue even when they do simple work. This must not be taken lightly as it could be a sign of the upcoming heart attack.
Feeling weak or shaky:
It is worthy to note that weakness or shaking would be accompanied by issues like anxiety, dizziness, fainting etc. This weak feeling or shaky feeling is regarded as a common acute sign or symptom of heart attack in women.
Having excessive sweating:
Studies have shown sometimes women sweat excessively without a normal cause and this excessive sweating is a sign of heart attack. Heart problems in women are also indicated by cold feeling etc.
Problems in sleeping:
Normally problems in sleeping could be due to various reasons like stress, anxiety and improper lifestyle etc. This issue of not sleeping well in women could also be due to heart attack that would affect them later. The studies have shown that half of women reported issues in sleeping in the weeks before they actually had heart attacks in them.
Issues in stomach:
Before getting heart attack a woman might get severe stomach pain. This stomach pain is another indication of heart attack. Sometimes women might also have few digestive issues like indigestion, nausea and vomiting etc associated with heart attack.
Various risk factors for heart attacks in women are
Age:
Women who are 55 or older could get heart attacks in them more than those who are younger. Before menopause, hormones provide protection for women from heart attacks etc.
Health status:
Issues like high BP, high cholesterol could increase the risk of getting heart attacks and this is common to both men as well as women.
Medical conditions:
Women with diabetes, obesity are more prone to heart attacks. Women having issues like endometriosis, PCOS could get heart attacks.
Lifestytyle:
This is also a factor for heart attacks in women. Some women use tobacco or stimulant drugs, have sedentary lifestyle etc and these women are more prone to heart attacks.