Signs of Women Having a Heart Attack Seniors Should Know

The signs of women having a heart attack can be different from those of men. They have unique symptoms, such as fatigue or gastrointestinal issues, that they may write off as part of another disease or aging.

According to the World Health Organization, heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. It takes the lives of more women than breast cancer, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease combined.

This makes spotting a heart attack early a matter of life and death. The National Center for Health Research shows women are approximately 20% more likely to develop heart disease or die within five years of a heart attack.

Senior living in Redding, CA, prevents heart-damaging inactivity because it's one of the sunniest cities in the state. You can explore the mountains and lakes, or visit the California Cultural District. It's also close to larger cities.

What Is the Biggest Predictor of a Heart Attack?

Heart disease is the biggest predictor, specifically coronary artery disease (CAD). Women are more likely to experience certain cardiovascular events, such as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD).

Lifestyle is also an essential part of determining risk. According to a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, nearly 99% of heart attacks or strokes can be attributed to lifestyle factors. These include:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Diabetes

Senior living in Redding can help combat these factors. The community offers a calendar of activities to increase physical activity and socialization.

Some cardiac risk factors are unique to women. They develop during or after pregnancy. Examples include:

Endometriosis
PCOS
Preeclampsia

The Key Signs of Women Having a Heart Attack

Women and men often have chest pain during a heart attack. However, there are other signs of women having a heart attack that differ from those of men. They can be harder to spot.

When women have pain in their chest during an attack, it may spread to other parts of their body, such as the:

Back
Neck
Jaw
Shoulder

Another unique symptom is unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath. It can appear days before the attack.

Stomach symptoms are also common. These include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Indigestion
Stomach pain

Other symptoms can make a woman feel as if the world is spinning during a heart attack. She can become lightheaded.

Anxiety and cold sweats are also signs that a deep pain is bubbling beneath the surface.

Could a Woman Have a Heart Attack and Not Know It?

Women can absolutely have a heart attack and not know. It's unfortunately quite common for there to be no clear warning signs. These are called "silent" heart attacks.

They may not cause severe symptoms, but they shouldn't be ignored. Silent heart attacks damage the heart muscle. That can increase the risk for another attack and other cardiovascular events.

Redding senior living communities can lead the charge of helping women understand these signs. Providing education will help women get care earlier.

How Heart Attacks Differ in Senior Women

Heart symptoms in seniors tend to be subtler. They might not notice them.

They may also attribute the signs to other causes. That upset stomach must be from what they ate last night. That fatigue has to be from age. They rationalize their feelings instead of seeking help.

Women are even more likely to do this. They tend not to want to bother anyone with their issues and to continue being caretakers.

The problem is more severe for senior women. They're at a higher risk of heart attacks after menopause.

Unfortunately, cardiovascular health is an area of senior women's health that's often ignored. They can even be turned away when they seek help.

According to research by Hamid et. al, women are also almost twice as likely as men to be misdiagnosed when they go in for treatment.

What to Do if a Senior Has a Heart Attack

There are basic levels of heart attack care that apply regardless of age or gender. They can help anyone, including residents of independent living in Redding, CA. The sooner someone reacts, the less likely they are to experience lasting consequences.

Call 911 right away. Keep a list of medications on hand in case you need to give them to emergency personnel. Explains the symptoms and their personal risk factors clearly.

If they stop breathing, try manual chest compressions.

Lock your fingers together. Put the base of your hands and the center of their chest.

Position your shoulders over your hands and lock your elbows. Press hard and fast at 100-120 beats per minute.

There may also be a defibrillator nearby to use if their heart stops. Follow the instructions on it exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Four P's of a Heart Attack?

The four Ps of a heart attack is a small mnemonic you can use to help spot the signs of a loved one having a heart attack. It'll help you notice them and get in to help before it becomes severe.

The letters stand for:

Pain
Pale
Pulse
Perspiration

Pain is the simplest one to explain. Are they hurting anywhere?

Pale refers to their skin. Check their color.

Take their pulse. Is it rapid and weak?

Are they sweating excessively? This perspiration is a clear sign.

What Should You Never Do During a Heart Attack?

The worst thing to do if you think you're having a heart attack is to eat or drink anything. Don't even accept a glass of water.

Women are especially likely to have stomach issues during an attack. If they eat or drink anything, they could vomit. In severe cases, it's even possible to aspirate on it and become unable to breathe.

Independent Living Redding, CA That Understands Your Unique Needs

The signs of women having a heart attack differ from those of men having the same issue. Knowing the difference prevents lasting heart damage.

Hilltop Estates offers senior living in Redding, CA. We provide Independent Living with Supportive Services™. Residents get a maintenance-free lifestyle with support always available.

Residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals. A year-long activity calendar keeps them busy. Amenities let them explore and socialize. Personalized spaces help them relax.