Would YOU know you were having a heart attack? Warning signs can vary wildly between men and women

  • Both men and women can suffer the well-known tightness in the chest 
  • But sleep deprivation and anxiety are less-known symptoms for women
  • Alabama University's Dr Joseph Fritz urged people to know different signs

If you think of someone having a heart attack, chances are you will picture a scene where a man gasps, clutches his chest and falls to the ground. 

But in reality, a heart attack victim could easily be a woman, and the scene not be so dramatic. 

While men and women share some of the same symptoms, the University of Alabama's Dr Joseph Fritz explains they can also have wildly different ones.

Both men and women can suffer chest tightness and pain or pressure in the chest, neck, jaw, arms or back.

Unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, feeling sick and vomiting are among the unpleasant symptoms experienced by both genders.

Both men and women can experience chest pain when they are having a heart attack but other symptoms can significantly vary, according to he University of Alabama's Dr Joseph Fritz

Both men and women can experience chest pain when they are having a heart attack but other symptoms can significantly vary, according to he University of Alabama's Dr Joseph Fritz

OTHER MAJOR SYMPTOMS FOR MEN INCLUDE 

  • Weakness
  • Breaking out into a cold sweat
  • Dizziness 

MAJOR SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN INCLUDE

  • Sleep disturbance 
  • Indigestion
  • Anxiety 

However, Dr Fritz also urged people to remember each heart attack is different and symptoms may not always exactly fit the mould.

Never ignore any possible symptoms of a heart attack, and get medical attention immediately.

Women are more likely than men to die within a year of their first heart attack, according to the American Heart Association. 

That is because while both genders experience chest pain as the primary symptom, women often have atypical, vague symptoms as well - such as back or jaw pain, nausea or a sense of dread.

Earlier this year, Dr Laxmi Mehta, of Ohio State University, said: 'These symptoms can be very challenging for the patient and the medical profession.

Women's heart attack symptoms can include indigestion and sleep disturbance, which can be mistaken for signs of something else. Women are likely than men to die within a year of their first attack

Women's heart attack symptoms can include indigestion and sleep disturbance, which can be mistaken for signs of something else. Women are likely than men to die within a year of their first attack

'Women tend to under recognise or deny them.

'When they do present to the emergency department, it is important for these symptoms to be triaged appropriately as potential heart problems.

'Otherwise the consequences are misdiagnosis, delayed treatment and higher death rates.' 

Even things considered more minor health problems such as sexual health, bleeding gums and even snoring could be a sign of poor heart health. 

When the heart and arteries begin to fail, symptoms manifest in otherwise unrelated parts in the body, revealed Dr John Erwin, a cardiologist from Texas A&M Health Science Center.

Dr Erwin revealed six of the most common – and most surprising – symptoms of heart disease that people need to be aware of.

Keeping an eye out for these problems can lead to earlier detection of the disease – and help save lives.

SYMPTOM 1: SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

Many people think of sexual dysfunction as a problem of the reproductive organs – or the brain.

However, especially in males, sexual dysfunction is a common symptom of arterial disease.

A buildup of plaque in the arteries can cause men to have a hard time achieving – or maintaining erection.

But for women, a drop in libido usually signals a post-menopausal state.

Yet, women who are post-menopausal ‘rapidly increase’ their risk factors for developing heart disease.

Menopause itself doesn’t cause cardiovascular disease.

Dr Erwin said: ‘While menopause doesn’t cause cardiovascular diseases, certain heart-health risks – like changes in blood pressure and cholesterol levels – begin around the time of menopause.’

Furthermore, many women develop a more sedentary lifestyle in that phase of their lives.

As a result, this symptom should not be ignored.

Erectile dysfunction is typically thought to be a problem of the brain or reproductive system. However, it can also occur because of a buildup of plaque in the arteries - which can lead to cardiovascular disease

Erectile dysfunction is typically thought to be a problem of the brain or reproductive system. However, it can also occur because of a buildup of plaque in the arteries - which can lead to cardiovascular disease

SYMPTOM 2: SNORING OR SLEEP APNEA

Few things are more frustrating in life than trying to sleep next to a snoring person.

However, on top of the annoyance of snoring, Dr Erwin revealed it can actually be a sign of heart disease.

Snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea – as is morning sleepiness after a full night’s sleep.

Dr Erwin said: ‘Sleep apnea – periods of time during sleep where you stop breathing – is associated with many physiological changes that increase the risk of both heart attack and stroke.’

Snoring can also be a sign of atrial fibrillation – which is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that causes poor blood flow.

Therefore, detection and treatment of sleep apnea can lower a person's risk of heart problems.

So, next time you hear the person next to you snoring, perhaps suggest they see a doctor – instead of just complaining about the noise.

Snoring may be annoying, but it is a symptom of sleep apnea - which can often signify heart disease

Snoring may be annoying, but it is a symptom of sleep apnea - which can often signify heart disease

SYMPTOM 3: BLEEDING, SORE OR SWOLLEN GUMS

Few people would ever think that gum problems could be linked to heart disease.

However, unhealthy gums are a symptom of periodontis.

That is a serious gum infection that damages the gums – and can destroy the jawbone.

Periodontis can actually lead to an increase in inflammation across the body, according to Dr Erwein.

And, over-activity of inflammatory pathways is a strong risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic heart disease and heart attack.

Thus, it’s recommended that people follow up regularly with their dentist for oral hygiene.

They should also regularly brush and floss their teeth.

SYMPTOM 4: SHOULDER OR NECK CONSTRICTION OR ACHING

Many people feel like an ‘elephant is sitting on their chest’ during a heart attack.

And many others experience ‘a squeezing sensation in their arms.’ 

However, not all people go through those ‘classic’ heart attack feelings.

Instead, many heart attack sufferers feel an uncomfortable sensation, achiness, pain or pressure in their neck, jaw or shoulders.

For some, that discomfort is the ‘only sign of heart pain or a heart attack'. 

Constriction or aching in the shoulder or neck - or swollen and bleeding gums - may appear to be minor health problems, but in reality they can be symptoms of heart disease - and should be checked out by a doctor

Constriction or aching in the shoulder or neck - or swollen and bleeding gums - may appear to be minor health problems, but in reality they can be symptoms of heart disease - and should be checked out by a doctor

If your feet or legs are puffy - or if you're experiencing persistent heartburn, indigestion or intractable hiccups - you may want to seek medical attention, because these problems can also signify heart disease

If your feet or legs are puffy - or if you're experiencing persistent heartburn, indigestion or intractable hiccups - you may want to seek medical attention, because these problems can also signify heart disease

SYMPTOM 5: PUFFY FEET AND LEGS

Feet and legs can swell for a variety of reasons – including something as minor as heat.

However, puffy legs and feet can also be a marker of congestive heart failure.

That’s particularly true in cases where a person has unusual shortness of breath with activity – or when trying to sleep.

While it’s also true that some swelling occurs naturally throughout the day, and tends to resolve overnight, persistent swelling is problematic.

People who have constant or worsening swelling of the feet or legs should see a doctor for an evaluation of heart failure.

SYMPTOM 6: INDIGESTION OR HEARTBURN

Heartburn and indigestion are quite common – and rarely serious.

But in some instances, those seemingly benign burning or aching sensations in the upper abdomen can be a sign of heart pain or heart attack.

Additionally, persistent gastrointestinal distress – such as intractable hiccups – can also be a precursor.

And so, when heartburn, indigestion or hiccups are mixed with nausea, sweating, shortness of breath or lightheadedness, people should seek medical attention.

Dr Erwin said: ‘It’s not uncommon to see people come into the emergency room after chewing on antacids for hours before they realize the pain is something more.’