With a rise in female heart attacks in New Zealand, the Heart Foundation has highlighted the critical issue and how you can save lives by recognising the symptoms early on.
Heart disease is the single biggest cause of death among women in New Zealand, claiming the lives of almost eight women every day.
Despite people thinking that the biggest indicator of a heart attack is chest pain and discomfort, women are more likely to experience different symptoms that are less recognisable.
Instead, you should look for other symptoms, including shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, backache, jaw pain, or extreme fatigue.
These differences in symptoms can sometimes lead to under-recognition and delayed treatment, putting women at greater risk of serious complications or death.
A 2020 study concludes that women under the age of 55 can experience different heart attack symptoms to men, making it harder to recognise.
The study looked at ten heart attack symptoms and compared them to the top symptoms experienced by both men and women. These were pain in the chest, jaw, neck, arm or back.
However, women presented with less chest pain and more sweating, dizziness and nausea than men.
Heart Foundation medical director Dr Gerry Devlin stated that too many women are dying from heart attacks due to the signs being less identifiable.
“Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial as early intervention can make all the difference in saving lives,” said Dr Devlin.
“We encourage women to look after their hearts and get a heart check with their health practitioner as soon as they get any of these symptoms.”
Women without any known risk factors for heart disease are advised to get a heart check from the age of 55, women with known heart disease risks should be checked at 45.
Māori, Pasifika and South Asian women are advised to go from age 40 and those with severe mental illness as early as 25 years old.
Your heart health is no joke; take care of yourself, stay healthy and look out for signs.
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