His and Her Heart Attacks: Know the Signs

You’re probably aware of the classic signs of a heart attack: the crushing chest pain, the shortness of breath. But what about the less obvious signs? Do men and women experience heart attacks in the same way, or are there more subtle signs that indicate they may have ticker trouble?

Heart disease describes a range of conditions affecting the heart and is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and worldwide. A heart attack occurs when blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. In the United States, a heart attack occurs about every 40 seconds, making awareness critical.

“When men and women go to the emergency department, most of the time they will have the traditional signs of a heart attack,” said Irma Fotjadhi, MD, FACC, a Northeast Medical Group cardiologist at Bridgeport Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Center (HVC). “Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.”

But not all heart attack symptoms are created equal.

Traditional vs. atypical symptoms for heart attack

“The symptoms between men and women are similar but different,” said Stuart Zarich, MD, a Northeast Medical Group physician and chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at Bridgeport Hospital’s HVC. “What is similar is chest pain. It’s not usually a sharp pain, but it can be. It’s usually more of a pressure or a constriction. The classic description is: ‘There’s an elephant sitting on my chest, and I can’t get it off!’ And sometimes, it feels like gas or heartburn, so it can be tricky.”

Sometimes there is no chest pain at all. “This is more common in women, the elderly and people with diabetes,” Dr. Zarich explained.

“Heart attack symptoms in women can also include nausea, vomiting, pain in the neck, jaw, throat, abdomen or back and feeling out of breath,” Dr. Fotjadhi added. “These symptoms are not always recognized as a symptom of a heart condition in women. As a result, treatment for women can be delayed.”

Heart attack risk factors and prevention

Statistically, men experience their first heart attack at a younger age than women (age 55 vs. 65), but women tend to be more vulnerable after menopause. For both women and men, a number of factors increase their risk. The most common include diabetes, elevated blood pressure and cholesterol, tobacco use, lack of exercise and a family history of heart disease.

Eliminating some of the risk factors will decrease the risk of heart attack, the doctors say.  “There are three non-modifiable risk factors,” Dr. Zarich said. “Your age, genetics and being a male. Every other major risk factor is modifiable. That’s the patient’s job.”

How can you reduce your risk of a heart attack? “Don’t smoke, treat high blood pressure, high sugars and high cholesterol, if you have it,” Dr. Fotjadhi said. “Eat a heart-healthy diet that’s low in saturated and trans fats, sodium (salt) and added sugars. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. Reach and maintain a healthy weight and see your doctor for regular check-ups.”

If you suspect you might be having a heart attack, however, call 911, because every second counts. ‘“Time is Muscle,’ is what we say,” Dr. Zarich said. “The faster you get medical attention, the more heart muscle you will save.”

Learn about treatment in the article Coronary Artery Disease Treatments That Can Save Your Life.

YNHHS uses the terms "female" and "male" to reflect biological status typically assigned at birth, and "women" and "men" when referring to gender. According to the Human Rights Campaign, a doctor or midwife assigns a child's sex, male, female or intersex at birth based on their external anatomy. Gender identity is one's innermost identification of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither. Gender identification may differ from birth sex.