Common symptom seen a month before heart attack ignored by 'most women'

Experts have warned that a significant number of women might be overlooking a crucial symptom, potentially increasing their risk of dying from a heart attack. Data suggests that approximately 77 women in the UK succumb to this medical emergency each day.

As NottinghamshireLive reports, while chest pain is a common experience during a heart attack, other symptoms such as heartburn, anxiety, and experiencing "funny turns" can also be prevalent. These symptoms, which may appear relatively benign, often lead women to delay seeking necessary medical attention.

Experts are now drawing attention to indigestion as an under-recognised sign of a heart attack, warning that it could signal the onset of the condition. Research published in the journal Circulation found that indigestion was frequently reported by women in the month preceding their heart attack. Around 39 percent of the study's female participants noted feeling discomfort prior to their heart attack, although indigestion was not typically present during the heart attack itself.

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The NHS describes indigestion as pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (dyspepsia) or a burning pain behind the breastbone (heartburn). The study aimed to provide a precise depiction of coronary heart disease symptoms in women and to enhance understanding of these critical warning signs.

Researchers have highlighted a concerning issue, stating: "The current description of 'typical' cardiac symptoms is based primarily on the experience of white, middle-aged men." They pointed out that this narrow perspective "contributes to misunderstandings in clinicians and lay individuals, leads to inaccurate diagnosis, and causes women to delay seeking treatment."

Further emphasising the gravity of the situation, they noted that previous studies revealed that between 85 to 90 percent of women reported experiencing multiple symptoms before a heart attack.

Women reported the following symptoms in the month before the heart attack:

• Unusual fatigue (71 percent).

• Sleep disturbance (48 percent).

• Shortness of breath (42 percent).

• Indigestion (39 percent).

• Anxiety (36 percent).

Women experienced these symptoms during a heart attack:

• Shortness of breath (58 percent).

• Weakness (55 percent).

• Unusual fatigue (43 percent).

• Cold sweat (39 percent).

• Dizziness (39 percent).

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) says women are 50 percent more likely to be misdiagnosed with heart problems than men. According to the BHF way to lower your risk of a heart attack include:

• Keeping active – which has been proven to boost energy, sleep and quality of life

• Maintaining a healthy weight and diet – this will help your overall health and prevent extra strain on your heart

• Limiting how much alcohol you drink (less than the recommended 14 units per week)

• Stopping smoking and using other tobacco products

• Controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels (if you have diabetes).

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a heart attack you should call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.