Silent Heart Attacks in Women - What you need to know!

Surrey First Aid Training Ltd - Specialists in First Aid Courses since 2000

 

Research has shown women are 50% more likely to get the wrong diagnoses then men and because of this they are 70% more likely to die in 30 days after the heart attack then somoene who was treated with the correct diagnosis straight away. 

Women themselves also struggle to self diagnose heart attacks, as the symptoms can be more varied then men and include abdominal pain, feeling sick and pain in the neck or jaw. Women are less likely to seek the right type of help, it is important to call 999 when someone experiences sypmtoms of a heart attack as correct treatment is time critial and visiting the GP may delay urgent interventions needed. 

The most common symptoms for women is not chest pain or sweaty, cold or clammy but actually fatigue. 

Cardiologist Stacey E. Rosen, MD, says "this is one of the most common symptoms she sees, especially in female heart-attack patients. In my 25 years of practice, people on the verge of a heart attack report feeling tired and not able to do their usual activities".  Soreness in the arm and neck is the next most commen symptoms which is not always agonising like people associate with heart attacks.  When a patient presents very few or no symptoms this is know as a 'silent MI'/ heart attack. Other symptoms of a silent heart attack can be beltching and abdominal pain which feels like indigestion. 

The British Heart Association are on a mission to end this gender equality and make more women aware of the symptoms of a heart attack. To support them in this cause, here is our list of what to watch out for:

  • soreness in the neck and jaw
  • tiredness
  • heartburn, burping
  • tummy pain 
  • feeling like something is wrong (known as impending doom).

Remember if you suspect a heart attack in anyone. Sit them down, try the 'w' position. Call 999 - You will asked a series of questions such as what type of pain are they experiencing, a ripping or tearing sensation can be assosicate with an aortic or abdominal aneurysum. You will be asked if they have a history of heart attacks, do they have a GTN spray and can they take asprin or are they allergic or on blood thinners. An ambulance response time for a heart attack is 18 mins, highlighting the importance of getting the help urgently.