All heart attacks result from the blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. But the symptoms, risk factors, and incident rates for heart attacks differ significantly between men and women. To understand some of these dissimilarities, and to know the common indicators that a trip to the hospital is in order, below is an overview of this condition by gender.

Heart Attacks in Men

Heart attacks are nearly twice as common in men as they are in women. They also experience what many consider to be the classic symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness, nausea or heartburn, fatigue, and cold sweats. Men may feel more of an inclination to "tough it out" and refuse treatment, but you should always call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room when any cardiac symptoms are present. Not doing so could result in the need for complex and risky cardiac surgeries or death.

Heart Attacks in Women

While women have overall lower rates of heart attacks than men do, they are more likely to die from a cardiac event. This is largely because the symptoms associated with female heart attacks can look markedly different from the commonly understood signs of chest pain and breathing trouble. A new and profound sense of fatigue, especially after doing a light task, or heaviness in the chest are two of the ways they experience this phenomenon. Also more common in women: pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath that gets worse when lying down and better when sitting up, and a cold, clammy feeling. These symptoms have multiple causes; however, err on the side of caution and go to a hospital if you’re feeling unusual.

Prevention

Both men and women can lower their risks by maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels and taking medications for these conditions if your physician advises it. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of leafy green vegetables and fish high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel. Do at least a moderate amount of cardiovascular exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Practice self-care with stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and gentle yoga.

At the first sign of a heart attack, contact paramedics or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. Brownfield Regional Medical Center has been serving patients in the Terry County, TX, area for more than five decades. Among the many medical services they offer is a healthy heart center. For more information, visit their website. Schedule a general wellness appointment by calling (806) 637-3551.