Women's heart attacks are often misdiagnosed

One woman said she had terrible pains in her legs. She thought she was developing varicose veins. Another woman said that she felt tired and had trouble catching her breath, but blamed it on a new exercise routine. A third woman complained of a stomachache and was munching down antacids. These women were having heart attacks.

The fact, as many of you know, is that heart attack is the number one killer today for both men and women. However, according to WomenHeart.org., women are more likely to die from a heart attack than men are.

Chest crushing pain may be common for men, but much less so for women. Less than 30 percent of women complained of chest pains during an attack. The most common symptoms for women before experiencing an attack was unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances and shortness of breath.

“The heart has no pain receptors,” explained Trish Majszak, unit manager for Bonner General Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. “So, the response travels pathways, sometimes to the shoulder, the middle of the back or somewhere else. I know of a patient whose only symptom was an achy pain in her little finger.”

“The problem is that often women at risk may already have other illnesses that mask the heart attack,” she said. “Without specific pain, she’s not keyed in.”

Majszak told the story of a woman who thought she had the flu. Having that achy, tired feeling the woman was chewing aspirin to reduce the presumed fever. Her husband finally thought she looked bad enough to take to the emergency room and her heart stopped beating as he pulled the car up to the door.

She was revived, but had to give up her job as a cake baker since her constant quality control tasting had put her triglycerides off the charts.

“What saved her life was that she was taking that aspirin,” Majszak said. “Women tend to ignore symptoms. They don’t want to be a bother. Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.”

So, what should you do? First off, know your numbers. You know, cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose, body mass index and waist circumference. Find out if there is any history of heart issues in your family. Quit smoking. Check with your health care provider regarding the risks of your birth control medication.

Take care of your teeth. Yup, you read that right. Gum disease can increase your risk for heart attack or stroke by 50 percent. And, of course, get off your backside and do some exercises and, you know this is coming, quit smoking.

If you feel weak, dizzy, short of breath, nauseous, have lower chest discomfort, upper abdominal pressure or discomfort similar to indigestion and have a pain in your back, shoulder, arm or even your pinky you should seek medical attention.

Do not drive yourself to the ER. Call 911. The emergency medical technicians can begin to administer important life saving medications. Do not try to self-diagnose. Just tell them exactly how you’re feeling. If you say you have a tummy ache, guess what they’ll treat you for? And, it’s a proven fact, antacids don’t cure a heart attack.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at 264-4029 or by e-mail at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.