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Pre-heart Attack Symptoms in Females

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A heart attack, a medical emergency, refers to the blockage of blood flow to the heart. This article is an overview of the symptoms of pre-heart attacks in females.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sapkal Ganeshrao Patilba

Published At May 6, 2022
Reviewed AtFebruary 29, 2024

Introduction

A heart attack is a life-threatening experience. Nevertheless, hundreds of thousands of people survive an episode of heart attack and still carry on leading a well-productive and regular lifestyle. The heart muscle, called the cardiac muscles, requires a constant supply of oxygen in order to function smoothly and survive. A heart attack takes place when this continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood is drastically reduced or completely cut off. All of this occurs due to an abnormality of the heart vessels. The coronary arteries responsible for a constant oxygen supply become tapered because of the accumulation of fat and cholesterol, together called plaque.

The slow process of accumulation of plaque in the vessels of the heart is known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis has no symptoms. When a coronary artery constricts the normal flow of blood, nearby blood vessels enlarge to compensate for the reduced blood flow to the heart, thus explaining no warning signs. In case the accumulated plaque gets dislodged, a blood clot gets formed, which can block the blood flow to the heart. The result is ischemia, where the cardiac muscles are starved for oxygen and other vital nutrients. Eventually, damage or even death takes place in a part of the heart leading to a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI).

What Are the Causes of Heart Attack in Females?

Several traditional reasons lead to an episode of a heart attack. Heart attacks affect both women and men, but it should be noted that other factors may have a significant role in the onset of heart attack as well as the development of other cardiovascular diseases in females.

Mentioned below are some factors that may cause an episode of a heart attack.

  • Females with a history of diabetes mellitus are more prone to develop a heart condition. Diabetes mellitus has the potential to alter the way females experience pain. Thus eventually increasing the risk of having a silent heart attack.

  • Emotional stress.

  • Depression.

  • Smoking holds a more significant percentage of a cause of heart attack in females as compared to men.

  • An absence of regular physical activity is one of the major causes of a heart attack.

  • Drastically low levels of estrogen post-menopause make females prone to an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease.

  • Complications during pregnancy.

  • High blood pressure.

  • Family history of cardiovascular conditions.

  • Inflammatory diseases.

  • Rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Lupus.

  • Spasm of blood vessels.

  • Severe dehydration.

  • Over intake of alcohol.

  • Long-term consumption of tobacco products.

What Are the Pre-heart Attack Signs and Symptoms in Females?

Females of all age groups must seriously consider heart disease or cardiovascular conditions. Especially those around the age of 65 and have an association with a family history of heart conditions. Females show more pre-heart attack manifestations while at rest or even while sleeping in comparison to males. This is because emotional factors play a crucial role in triggering the onset of a heart attack. Additionally, women tend to have heart attacks without any diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Below are some of the clinical signs and symptoms of pre-heart attack in females.

  • Chest burn.

  • Pressure around the chest.

  • Discomfort around the waist.

  • Pain around the chest comes and goes.

  • Tightness around the chest.

  • Discomfort in the abdomen.

  • Discomfort in the neck, upper belly, and upper back.

  • Tightness of the shoulder and jaw.

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Pain in both arms.

  • Nausea.

  • Vomiting.

  • Excessive sweating.

  • Lightheadedness.

  • Constant fatigue.

  • Indigestion.

  • Dizziness.

  • Crushing kind of pain in the chest.

  • Strong emotions.

  • Panic breakdown.

  • Dry mouth.

  • Coldness in extremities.

  • Numbness in the legs or arms.

  • Feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

  • Palpitations.

  • Uncomfortable pressure in various body parts.

  • Feeling of heaviness in the body.

How to Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack in Females?

One needs to act upon many lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing a heart attack. Such changes will keep heart attacks at bay and avoid the prevalence of any other cardiovascular disease. Mentioned below are some of the healthy changes females can strategize.

  • Quit smoking as well as avoid any exposure to secondhand smoking.

  • Eat a diet rich in grains, colorful fruits, and green leafy vegetables.

  • Avoid foods that have excessive fat and cholesterol.

  • Include fat-free dairy products.

  • Replace meat with lean meat.

  • Avoid foods rich in trans fat as well as saturated fats.

  • Quit the habit of eating sugar and sugary beverages.

  • Reduce the intake of sodium.

  • Do regular exercise.

  • Walking daily.

  • Stress management.

  • Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing.

  • Practice mindfulness.

  • Connecting with support groups.

  • Joining Alcoholics Anonymous.

  • Managing blood pressure.

  • Keeping diabetes in check.

  • Reducing the levels of cholesterol.

  • Strength training.

  • Yoga.

  • Psychotherapy for emotional control.

  • Counseling session for reducing stress.

  • Taking the stairs instead of elevators.

  • Not sitting idle for more than 30 minutes.

What Are the Heart Attack Symptoms in Women Under the Age of 40?

No person is too young or healthy to experience a heart attack. Women are more likely to suffer heart attacks after the age of 55. The symptoms of a heart attack in women less than the age of 40 are:

  • Chest pain and discomfort.

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Pain in the jaw.

  • Pain in the shoulder, back, and neck.

  • Unusually tired.

Conclusion:

A heart attack is a frightening event caused due to the disruption in the normal blood flow to the heart. Being aware of the female-specific signs and symptoms of pre-heart attack could drastically aid an individual in seeking necessary medical attention in the nick of time, which may eventually save precious lives. Cardiovascular disease is considered to be more of an issue for men. But in reality, it is a common reason for death for both females and males. Since many heart conditions have symptoms in females that differ from those in males, females may not know what to look for. Knowing the signs and symptoms and the risk factors that are unique to females can help save from an episode of a heart attack. Exercise and a heart-smart diet also play a crucial role. Therefore, we must learn the signs and symptoms of pre-heart attack in females and remember them even if not sure of the onset of a heart attack. During a heart attack, minutes matter, and prompt action may potentially save lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Are the Pre-Heart Attack Symptoms Women Show?

The first line of signs and symptoms of heart disease seen in women are:
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Neck or upper pain.
- Indigestion.
- Nausea.
- Heartburn.
- Vomiting.
- Dizziness.
- Breathlessness.
- Fatigue.

2.

What Are the Four Silent Important Signs That Occur as a Precursor for Women?

The four silent and important warning signs of heart attack are: 
- Pain like squeeze or fullness of chest.
- Body discomfort.
- Breathing trouble and dizziness.
- Cold sweats and feeling of nausea.

3.

What Is the Time Duration Sustained in a Woman Before Heart Attack?

According to the studies, women can withstand heart attack symptoms for 16 to 54 hours before seeking medical help, but the earlier it is diagnosed, the better the treatment outcome is.

4.

Can We Self-Analyze Heart Attack, and What Is the Fastest Way to Diagnose?

Yes, heart attacks can be self-analyzed by checking for symptoms like chest pain, tightness and pressure in the chest area, nausea, stomach pain, lightheadedness, and pain radiating from the left side of the body.

5.

What Are the Ways of Preventing Heart Attacks?

Heart attacks can be prevented by:
- Following a healthy lifestyle.
- Being more physically active.
- Quit smoking.
- Consuming a healthy diet.
- Keeping blood pressure under control.

6.

What Is the Efficient Test to Indicate Heart Issues, and What Does Normal ECG Indicate?

The most efficient test to analyze heart attack is by performing an electrocardiogram (ECG). This test should be performed within ten minutes of admission. A person with heart disease may still show normal ECG when it does not alter the electric conduction of the heart.
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Dr. Sapkal Ganeshrao Patilba
Dr. Sapkal Ganeshrao Patilba

Cardiology

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