Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of Australian women? Non-smokers over the age of 40 have a one-in-three chance of having a heart attack before the age of 70, while smokers have a one-in-two chance. Given the strength of these figures, it is imperative that every woman, and particularly those over the age of 40, should be more aware of the warning signs and symptoms so that they can act promptly should a heart attack strike. Heart attack occurs when a build up of plaque blocks the flow of blood through the coronary arteries. Heavy smokers, people with high-stress lifestyles, or those who are excessively overweight are at higher risk. Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most common symptoms of heart attack, however, it is important to note that women can experience a heart attack without chest pain. In fact, women are likely to experience vague or even ‘silent’ symptoms that may be misinterpreted. These atypical symptoms can include lower chest discomfort, upper abdominal pressure, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, back or jaw pain or just unexplained tiredness and fatigue, which are often thought to be less life threatening conditions such as heartburn, indigestion, arthritis, or even stress. All too often, a woman does not realise she is actually having a heart attack and therefore does not take appropriate action. So are women likely to be misdiagnosed? The short answer is yes. A recent study indicated women often present with more subtle symptoms, present later, and are also more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety. As such, the time taken for the Emergency Department to run an ECG and subsequently initiate treatment is significantly longer than desirable. In matters related to the heart (and we’re not talking about love!), time is of the essence. “With a heart attack, every second counts,” says Gold Coast cardiologist, Dr. Ross Sharpe. “The heart muscle starts to die almost immediately and the artery clots off. As interventional cardiologists, we have a window of opportunity of up to several hours to reopen the artery with a balloon and stent, but this must take place within those first few hours after the onset of symptoms so that damage can be kept to a minimum.” Dr. Sharpe urges women to learn and heed the various heart attack symptoms, and to act immediately if they think they could be experiencing a heart attack. The National Heart Foundation lists the following symptoms of heart attack in women. 1. Chest pain or discomfort. Chest pain in a woman may feel like a squeezing or fullness, and the pain can be anywhere in the chest, not just on the left side. 2. Pain in your arm(s), back, neck, or jaw. This type of pain is more common in women than in men. It may confuse women who expect their pain to be focused on their chest and left arm, not their back or jaw. The pain can be gradual or sudden, and it may wax and wane before becoming intense. Symptoms in any part of the body above the waist should be reported to your doctor or other health care provider. 3. Stomach pain. Stomach pain can be mistaken for heartburn, flu, or a stomach ulcer but it can also signal a heart attack. Women often experience severe abdominal pressure that feels like an elephant sitting on their stomach. 4. Shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness. Trouble breathing for no apparent reason, could signal a heart attack, especially if other symptoms are being experienced. 5. Sweating. Breaking out in a nervous, cold sweat is common among women who are having a heart attack. It will feel more like stressrelated sweating than perspiration from exercising or spending time outside in the heat. If there are no other reasons for it, such as heat or hot flashes – report it to your doctor. 6. Fatigue. Some women who have heart attacks say they feel extremely tired, even if they’ve been sitting still for a while or haven’t moved much. Patients often say that they can’t do simple activities, like walk to the bathroom. Most importantly, remember that not everyone gets all of these symptoms. But if you have chest discomfort, or any of the other signs, assert yourself and call 000 immediately. • Do not wait. • Dial 000 and tell them you think you’re having a heart attack and that you need to get to a hospital immediately. • Do not drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital unless you have no other choice. • Try to stay as calm as possible and take deep, slow breaths while you wait for the emergency responders. Women generally wait longer than men before going to the emergency room. Even if you think your symptoms are not that bad or will pass, DO NOT dismiss what you feel. pm Symptoms of a heart attack: • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. • Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort. • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light headedness. Women ’s Health pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 41
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Two
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