There has been much discussion and controversy in the medical community about the symptoms of heart attack in women versus the symptoms of heart attacks in men. Numerous media reports suggests that the symptoms of a heart attack in women is often misdiagnosed as a panic attack.
Heart Attack Symptoms
The Women's Heart Foundation website describes women's heart attack symptoms as respiratory problems, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, tingling or burning in the chest region, extreme indigestion, increased heart rate and sweating.
Panic Attack Symptoms
Women's Heart Foundation also reports that the same symptoms of a panic attack are similar to those of a heart attack, excluding one important difference: women experiencing a heart attack will feel a sudden and severe sense of fatigue that lasts for two to three minutes that will subside and then often return.
Proper Testing
A number of tests should be performed to determine if a woman is having a heart attack or panic attack. The Women's Heart Foundation website suggests clinicians use an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography.
Accurate Diagnosis
Although claims have been made that some of the aforementioned symptoms and tests give inaccurate results in women, a recent study reported on ScienceDaily.com suggests that the results and symptoms may be accurate after all.
Risk
Women with a history of cardiovascular conditions or high blood pressure are at a greater risk of having a heart attack than women who don't suffer the condition.
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