For men and women alike, the most easily recognized sign of cardiac distress is chest pain. There are some distinct variances in the heart attack symptoms that predominantly appear in males versus females, however. Here, the heart health specialists of DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD PA in Rochelle Park, NJ, explain how men and women can experience heart attacks differently. 

One study shows women are more likely to experience heart attack symptoms beyond chest pain or discomfort. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, researchers surveyed 35 years’ worth of investigations spanning 69 studies. The results showed 30% to 37% of women didn’t experience chest discomfort during a heart attack, compared to 17% to 27% of men.

The study found women may exhibit other signs of a heart attack that are less common. Females are more likely to report pain in the middle or upper back, neck, or jaw, for instance, as well as other symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, or palpitations. It’s important to recognize these alternative indicators as well, as the absence of chest discomfort can lead to a missed diagnosis and delayed treatment. Male or female, a patient’s odds of survival improve significantly with prompt care.

If you or someone in your vicinity is experiencing heart attack symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately. If you’re in need of non-urgent cardiac care in Rochelle Park, NJ, DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD PA can help. Visit their website to find out more about their services, or call (201) 845-3535 to request an appointment.