The average age of the first heart attack in women is 72.
These statistics struck home for my family this week when my 93 year old mother suffered a mild heart attack.
She was long past the age for a first heart attack, and she had been repeatedly told by her cardiologist that she was not a candidate for one.
She is not overweight, her blood pressure is low, and her cholesterol is perfect. However, she had been having some symptoms that were written off as coming from other causes.
So what are the warning red flags for an impending heart attack in women?
1) Breathing difficulties
2) Heavy perspiration
3) Disrupted sleep
4) Exhaustion
5) Stomach cramps
6) Sharp upper body pain
7) Jaw pain
8) Rapid heart rate
9) Chest pain
10) Nausea
11) Pain in either arm
You can find more information on the warning signs here.
Monday night at midnight my mom called me to say she was feeling weird and thought she might need to go to the hospital. We got the paramedics there and she went to the emergency room. Fortunately she had an ER doctor that did a very thorough workup.
After a long sleepless night he had her admitted and notified her cardiologist. He diagnosed her with a blocked artery and having had a mild heart attack. Luckily it can be controlled with medication.
Because women's symptoms are different than those that men have, it is important that we as women are aware of them and advocate for ourselves when we know that something is just not right with our bodies.
My mom seems to have dodged a major bullet, and it has made me aware that I need to continue to take care of my own heart to keep it healthy.
I'm so glad you listed these symptoms. I was really sick today and saw the nurse practioner late this afternoon. He said my heart sounded a little off and sent me down for an electrocardiogram. I no longer have an infection, he said, so they are having other tests done. Was sick as could be all day. I'm so glad your mom is all right. Sounds like she's been living right. And thank goodness you're there for her!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I'm so glad that you had it checked out, Brenda. I hope that it is all okay.
DeleteI am glad your mom is okay and it really is a wake up call for everyone in the family when something like that happens. Thanks for the reminder that all of us are at rish---no matter how 'healthy' we seem to be. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteIT is a wake up call for all of us. My doctor tells me my heart sounds perfect, but then again her cardiologist thought hers sounded perfect.
DeleteI'll keep her in my prayers. And thanks for sharing all of this good information with all of us. Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diane.
DeleteI'm glad you shared this list with us, Laura. There were a couple items that I hadn't seen before such as the disrupted sleep. I will say a prayer for your mother, so good to hear that she got right in to the doctor and will be okay.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by that too, Cheryl. Thank you for your prayers.
DeleteGood Morning Laura. Glad your mom is ok. I agree I think we women seem to right things off as other things other than heart when we are feeling these symptoms. Glad your mom was aware enough to know she needed some help. Prayers.
ReplyDeleteKris
She wrote hes off as coming from her acid reflux, but when she started feeling what she described as weird she decided that there might be something else going on.
DeleteVery glad to hear your Mom is doing well. It is so important to listen to our bodies and know the signs of a heart attack!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda.
DeleteHow scary, Laura, so glad your mom is ok!! Wow, 93, she's a good age!!
ReplyDeleteShe is a good age. Her 97 year old brother still works in the family business. I hope I have those good genes.
DeleteHope you are having a better day today
ReplyDeleteI am. Thanks, Diana.
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