If you think of someone having a heart attack, chances are you will picture a scene where a man gasps, clutches his chest and falls to the ground.
But in reality, a heart attack victim could easily be a woman, and the scene not be so dramatic.
While men and women share some of the same symptoms, the University of Alabama’s Dr. Joseph Fritz explains they can also have wildly different ones.
Both men and women can suffer chest tightness and pain or pressure in the chest, neck, jaw, arms or back.
Unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, feeling sick and vomiting is among the unpleasant symptoms experienced by both genders.
OTHER MAJOR SYMPTOMS FOR MEN INCLUDE
Weakness
Breaking out into a cold sweat
Dizziness
MAJOR SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN INCLUDE
Sleep disturbance
Indigestion
Anxiety
However, Dr. Fritz also urged people to remember each heart attack is different and symptoms may not always exactly fit the mould.
Never ignore any possible symptoms of a heart attack, and get medical attention immediately.
Women are more likely than men to die within a year of their first heart attack, according to the American Heart Association. (continue reading)