Heart Attack Indicators: Identifying Them and Proper Response
Understanding Heart Attack Symptoms: A Guide for Recognizing Differences
A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction (MI), can present with various symptoms beyond the classic chest pain. These symptoms can differ based on age and sex.
Common Symptoms
Regardless of age and sex, common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing. This pain may radiate to the shoulders, arms, jaw, or back. Additional frequent symptoms include shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, and dizziness.
Differences by Age
Younger adults (18 to 44 years), particularly women, may experience heart attacks with subtler and often atypical symptoms such as indigestion, unusual fatigue, and unexplained shortness of breath. These symptoms can be mistaken for less severe conditions like anxiety or acid reflux. Older adults, on the other hand, typically present more classic symptoms, but awareness of atypical signs remains important due to changing trends and risk factors.
Sex Differences
Women are more likely than men to have atypical heart attack symptoms and may experience less severe or absent chest pain (30-37% of women). Instead, they might report nausea, back or jaw pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Women also tend to have a higher pain threshold, often leading to underrecognition and delayed treatment. Men, however, more commonly experience the classic symptom of chest pain or discomfort.
Other Possible Signs
Other possible signs of a heart attack include pain in one or both arms, neck, jaw, or back, and shortness of breath. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department and stay with the person until emergency services arrive.
Silent Heart Attacks
People with diabetes who are older may be more likely to experience asymptomatic or silent heart attacks. People who are 65 years old or older are more likely to experience a heart attack, stroke, or develop heart disease.
Emergency Response
During a heart attack, CPR may be necessary if the person stops breathing, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) should be used if available.
Recognizing the differences in heart attack symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. By understanding these differences, we can help ensure that people receive the care they need when they need it most.
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