The signs of a heart attack in women are different: learn to recognize them

According to data from Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC) Between 1990 and 2019, Brazil saw a 62% increase in the number of deaths of women aged 15 to 49 due to heart attacks. In the age group between 50 and 69 years, this number nearly tripled, i.e. an increase of approximately 176%.

second Glaucia Maria Moraeswhich is part of Department of Cardiology for Women Of SBC, one explanation for the increase in cases is changes in lifestyle. Among the reasons are risk factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and stress. Glaucia warns that women's lack of awareness of symptoms leads them to seek medical care late, which contributes to poor outcomes.

Women may experience different symptoms than men. They usually feel severe chest pain, while only women may feel it Extreme fatigue Or marks similar to Anxiety crisis. Furthermore, Glaucia points out, some doctors are unwilling to properly diagnose heart attacks in women.

“Normally, people arrive at the emergency room with a blocked coronary artery. But there are a lot of women who have a different type of heart attack, which is what we call 'MINOCA,' where there's a blockage in the arteries similar to what happens in a man, but without the atherosclerotic plaque.” (Fatty plaque blocking the arteries). she says.

symptoms

Historically, men have been more susceptible to heart attacks, due to their lifestyle habits, which tend to be less healthy than those of women. For this reason, most doctors who work in emergency rooms are more alert to signs of cardiovascular problems in men.

“Cardiologists know this difference, but emergency doctors generally don't. So we want to educate women, as well as women themselves, about the diagnosis.”“, says Glaucia. She coordinated a document for the SBC indicating the need for specific medical protocols for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks in women.

cardiologist Dennis MartinezIt is worth noting that a heart attack in women can be similar to an anxiety attack. “They usually arrive at the medical clinic in a very nervous state, with shortness of breath and heart palpitations.”, grades. In some cases, a woman may feel extreme fatigue, weakness, cold sweats, nausea, vomiting and/or pain not only in the chest area but also in the back and arms. “It's radiating pain and can cause tingling.”He concludes.

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