Heart Blockage Symptoms in Women
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women over the age of 25. A blockage in the heart's vessels may reduce or completely stop blood flow. A heart attack can occur, but a blocked artery may be symptomless or go undetected. A study by Johns Hopkins University showed that heart scans failed to detect about 15 percent of heart blockages in those with heart disease. Women with heart blockages experience different symptoms than men.
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Flu-Like Symptoms
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About 71 percent of women experience early warning signs of heart attack along with sudden onset of extreme weakness that feels like the flu. Some women will never know if they've had a heart attack until it's too late.
Pressing or Pressure on the Chest
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This type of discomfort is about seven times more likely to be experienced by women than men.
Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath
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There's no gender difference in these common symptoms. Pain and shortness of breath are the usual indicators that a heart artery is blocked. These symptoms are also the most commonly reported signals of heart attack in women.
Vomiting
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Nausea and vomiting are almost four times more likely to be experienced in women than men.
Throat Discomfort
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Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing is often mistaken for a cold or sore throat. Two main arteries that come from the heart area, the carotids, run along either side of the neck to the brain and can become blocked.
Prevention
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Healthy diet, exercise, moderation in drinking and quitting smoking are all heart blockage risk reducers for women.
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