Heart attack symptoms harder to recognize in women

Berlin, September 28: Heart attack symptoms are not nearly as obvious in women as in men, reports a German medical association.

Men will tend to report sudden, prolonged periods of pain in the chest, reported the German Federal Group of Apothecary Associations (ABDA). The pain often radiates through the arms, back, stomach, throat and jaw while a man’s face will go pale and grow sweaty.

Difficulty breathing, dizziness, unconsciousness and fear are symptoms as well.

But, for women, the symptoms tend to be less specific. Some indications are pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing or back pains.

Regardless, if symptoms are recognized, it’s vital to get to a doctor as soon as possible, advises the ABDA. Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes or heightened levels of blood lipids – as well as smokers and people who get little exercise – are especially at risk.

–Agencies–