In a February 2012 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), it was found that heart attacks with atypical symptoms are on the rise, especially among women. While many people think that chest pain is the symptom they should be on the lookout for the most when it comes to heart attacks, researchers are finding increasing numbers of people are having heart attacks without even realizing it.
Atypical Symptoms
When most people think of a heart attack, they think about severe chest pain. Atypical heart attack symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, unexplained back, arm or jaw pain, numbness, fatigue, weakness, nausea or unexplained digestive or indigestion discomfort. These symptoms are often ignored and happen with a first heart attack.
Women at Higher Risk
Researchers also found that women under the age of 45 are at the highest risk for a heart attack with atypical symptoms. Researchers hypothesize that during peri-menopausal years experience spikes in estrogen levels during the middle of their menstrual cycle, triggering atypical heart attack symptoms, pushing a woman into having an actual heart attack without realizing it.
Even as women age, they may be at higher risk than men. During menopause many women experience hot flashes, which raises adrenaline levels in the blood, constricting arteries, leading to atypical heart attack symptoms.
If you find yourself having atypical heart attack symptoms, it is important to have a heart-health check from your doctor. It may save your life.
– The Alternative Daily
