These symptoms could be mistaken for something else, leading to a delay in treatment.
A study named five symptoms that can appear a “month before” a heart attack. Experts also warned that women are at risk of overlooking crucial signs, potentially increasing their risk of dying from a heart attack.
While chest pain is a commonly known symptom of heart issues, other red flags are less well-known and could easily be mistaken for something else. These could mean people delay seeking necessary medical attention.
As an example of this, research published in the journal Circulation found that indigestion was frequently reported by women in the month preceding their heart attack. Around 39 per cent of the study’s female participants noted feeling discomfort prior to their heart attack, although indigestion was not typically present during the heart attack itself.
The NHS describes indigestion as pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or a burning pain behind the breastbone (heartburn). The study aimed to provide a precise depiction of coronary heart disease symptoms in women and to enhance understanding of these critical warning signs.
Researchers said: “The current description of ‘typical’ cardiac symptoms is based primarily on the experience of white, middle-aged men.” They pointed out that this narrow perspective “contributes to misunderstandings in clinicians and lay individuals, leads to inaccurate diagnosis, and causes women to delay seeking treatment.”
They also noted that previous studies revealed that between 85 to 90 per cent of women reported experiencing multiple symptoms before a heart attack. According to the study, women reported the following symptoms in the month before the heart attack:
- Unusual fatigue (71 per cent)
- Sleep disturbance (48 per cent)
- Shortness of breath (42 per cent)
- Indigestion (39 per cent)
- Anxiety (36 per cent)
Women experienced these symptoms during a heart attack:
- Shortness of breath (58 per cent)
- Weakness (55 per cent)
- Unusual fatigue (43 per cent)
- Cold sweat (39 per cent)
- Dizziness (39 per cent)
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) said that women are 50 per cent more likely to be misdiagnosed with heart problems than men. According to the BHF way to lower your risk of a heart attack include:
- Keeping active – which has been proven to boost energy, sleep and quality of life
- Maintaining a healthy weight and diet – this will help your overall health and prevent extra strain on your heart
- Limiting how much alcohol you drink (less than the recommended 14 units per week)
- Stopping smoking and using other tobacco products
- Controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels (if you have diabetes)
If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a heart attack you should call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.