Enhanced threat to cardiovascular health
Understanding Heart Attack Symptoms: A Matter of Life and Death
Heart attacks can be a silent yet deadly threat, and it's crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms, especially during these challenging times. Both men and women may experience common and atypical symptoms, but women are more likely to exhibit less conventional signs.
Common Symptoms
Regardless of gender, the following symptoms are commonly associated with heart attacks:
- Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, fullness, heaviness, tightness, or burning sensation lasting more than a few minutes or recurring.
- Pain or discomfort in upper body areas, such as one or both arms (especially the left arm), back (between shoulder blades), neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort.
- Sweating, breaking out in a cold sweat.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
Atypical Symptoms in Women
Women's heart attack symptoms often appear more subtle or atypical compared to men's and may be mistaken for non-heart issues like indigestion, fatigue, or stress. Some less typical or additional symptoms include:
- Neck, jaw, shoulder, or upper back pain without chest pain.
- Indigestion-like feelings such as heartburn or upset stomach.
- Unexplained severe anxiety or unusual fatigue.
- Numbness, tingling sensation (e.g., in the left arm).
- Back pain and shortness of breath that may occur with or without exertion.
- Waking up at night short of breath.
- Anxiety, weakness, or fainting.
Seeking Help During the Pandemic
In these unprecedented times, it's essential to prioritize seeking help if experiencing any unusual symptoms or discomfort. If symptoms last longer than five minutes, immediate attention is required. In case of doubt, call the emergency service (112) or go immediately to a hospital. Delaying medical attention, even during the pandemic, can lead to long-term consequences and irreparable damage to the heart.
Covid-19 Survivors and Heart Health
For those who have recovered from Covid-19, it's important to be aware of any unusual symptoms or discomfort related to their heart health. Some Covid-19 survivors may experience lasting performance reduction and reduced resilience. Patients who have recovered should start exercise cautiously and consult their doctors if they notice an increased pulse or heart skipping beats.
Hygiene and Safety Measures
The Evangelical Hospital has a well-established network of hygiene and safety measures in place since the beginning of the pandemic to ensure the safety of its patients. The hospital's Corona Task Force exchanges information daily to ensure preparedness.
Recognizing the Signs
Heart palpitations, severe dizziness, or fainting are signs that require immediate attention. These symptoms, along with the symptoms mentioned above, should not be ignored, even during the pandemic. Calling the emergency service or going to a hospital immediately can potentially save a life during a heart attack.
Awareness of heart attack symptoms and the differences between men's and women's symptoms is critical for timely recognition and emergency care. While chest pain remains the classic and most recognized symptom in both sexes, women are more likely to experience atypical signs such as nausea, upper back/jaw pain, and extreme fatigue, sometimes without chest discomfort.
Science has shown that understanding heart attack symptoms is a matter of life and death, with both common and atypical symptoms needing attention. Medical-conditions related to heart health, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea, are crucial to recognize amidst the challenging times. Putting emphasis on health-and-wellness practices, cardiovascular-health related symptoms must not be disregarded, even if they appear to be mild or atypical symptoms, like those experienced more frequently by women, such as neck, jaw, shoulder, or upper back pain, indigestion-like feelings, and unexplained severe anxiety or unusual fatigue.
