Why heart attack in women is different from in men

Image: goredforwomen.com

A recent research by the American Heart Association, AHA, reveals differences in the heart attack symptoms for women are the main causes of higher rates of misdiagnosis, dismissal or delays in diagnosis for women.



While many men experience the "elephant on the chest" feeling, women can show heart disease symptoms differently. They may have jaw pain, neck or back pain, nausea, vomiting or shortness of breath.

Studies show that not only do women wait longer than men to seek help, they are more likely to be dismissed, misdiagnosed or experience delays in diagnosis when they seek medical attention.

A study in the Circulation Journal of the American Heart Association showed that in some cases, the initial evaluation for heart conditions, like an EKG, came back fine only for doctors to find something days later after several visits.

Doctors said part of the solution to the disturbing trend is for women to understand their risk factors: obesity, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.

They also stress the importance of knowing those sometimes subtle signs and symptoms special to women.

The AHA urges women to ask their doctor to screen for heart disease during their regular visits.

Watch the video below for more information: (Video Source: WTKR.com)