Men, women exhibit different heart attack symptoms

Knowing that women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men is important information for women and for those who love them.

Being able to recognize those symptoms, knowing what to do and acting quickly can save a life, according to C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, medical director of both the Women's Health Program and the Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiac Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles.

Bairey Merz is also the chair of a study sponsored by National Institute of Health, which is investigating the potential for more effective diagnostic and evaluation methods of coronary artery disease in women.

"Men often experience the traditional symptoms of heart attacks such as squeezing chest pain or pressure, while more subtle symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, and back and jaw pain are more likely in women," said Bairey Merz.

Women themselves don't always recognize that they're suffering a heart attack, and in some cases their physicians mistake their symptoms for signs of stress, panic disorder or hypochondria. Delays in diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly reduce a woman's chances of having a good outcome after a heart attack.

"Getting immediate, appropriate care is the single most important thing you can do to help lessen the damage of a heat attack," said Bairey Merz.

Here are steps to take if you or another person is having a heart attack:

+Take immediate action and call 911. Don't take time trying to reach a doctor. Don't try to drive yourself or someone else to the hospital in this situation. Every minute of delay means more heart muscle is damaged.

+Chew one aspirin. Most heart attacks are caused by blood clots in the arteries, and aspirin reduces the growth of these clots.

+If the person is not breathing, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Take a CPR class today to be prepared.

This story is provided by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.