Dr. Lark: Different Gender, Different Symptoms

June 12, 2004

Heart Health

Different Gender, Different Symptoms

Silent heart attacks are

referred to as “silent” because there are no physical

symptoms during the attack. When there are symptoms, they are often

missed or misread because women have given little thought to heart

health or don’t realize that heart attack symptoms for women can

differ from men’s. For most men, the initial symptom of heart disease

is a myocardial infarction (MI), an episode of ischemia so long

in duration that heart muscle damage occurs.

For the majority of women, the initial symptom is angina or heart

cramp, which is often a dull, aching discomfort beneath the

breastbone, not the sharp crushing pain common in men.

Also, the pattern is different with men

and women. Men usually experience symptoms after exercise or exertion,

and improve with rest. Women often have symptoms that come and go

with no obvious cause, and they may not improve with rest. Women’s

symptoms are often misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal distress.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

• Chest discomfort, pain, or pressure
• Back discomfort
• Pain or tingling of jaw, elbow or arm (more

  often the left arm)

• Tightness of the throat
• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion or a feeling that “burping”

  would resolve the feeling of fullness

• Nausea, vomiting
• Lightheadedness with exertion, dizziness or

  vertigo

• Disproportionate sweating with activity

Read More on Heart Health:

Getting Started

Assessing Your Heart Health

Different Gender, Different Symptoms

Quiz: What Is Your Risk of Heart Disease?

Keep it SIMPLE Heart tip — Fiber, Fiber, Fiber

Nutritional Therapies

Heart Healthy Nutrients

Foods That Help Your Heart, Foods That Hurt It

Mineral Deficiencies Lead to Heart Problems

Complementary Therapies

Flapping Wings Exercise

Think With Your Heart