Most people have seen a heart attack or myocardial infarction, as referred to by healthcare providers in a movie, or may have even known someone who has experienced one. The classic movie portrayal of a myocardial infarction is crushing chest pain, with the character clenching at their chest and groaning in pain. But did you know that this isnt the only symptom of a heart attack?
Did you know that symptoms can present differently between men and women? Lets learn about myocardial infarctions and how to recognize them.
What Happens During a Myocardial Infarction?
The first thing to understand about a myocardial infarction is what happens physiologically. A myocardial infarction occurs when the heart is deprived of proper blood flow. The heart serves as the pump for the body and is responsible for circulating oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
The heart has arteries that bring blood to the cardiac (heart) muscle to supply oxygen-rich blood to allow it to function correctly. Blood is transported to the heart through arteries, passing through the right atria and ventricle, and then pumped to the lungs. Oxygen is transferred to the blood when it reaches the lungs. It is then sent back to the heart and moves through the left atria and ventricle, where it can finally be distributed throughout the body.
A myocardial infarction can occur when there is a disruption in blood flow to the heart. Cardiac tissue injury leads to tissue death and, ultimately, cardiac arrest, as the heart is no longer able to function. Why is a heart attack so dangerous? Without blood, the heart will fail just like any other organ. This can occur very quickly, and it is pertinent that medical help is sought out in a timely matter. While both men and women can experience a myocardial infarction, the underlying causes and symptoms can vary between men and women.
What Causes a Myocardial Infarction?
A myocardial infarction can be caused by anything that disrupts the blood flow to the heart. The leading cause of myocardial infarction is coronary artery disease. Over time, or with an unhealthy lifestyle, plaque can build up on the inner lining of the vasculature (vein or artery) and eventually break off and become dislodged. This plaque then travels to the heart and causes a blockage, resulting in a heart attack.
Studies have found that men are more likely to experience a heart attack because of plaque than women. Other causes can include trauma to a coronary artery, an air embolism (air bubble) or blood clot that makes it to the heart or prolonged eating disorders. Heart attacks can also be the result of conditions that cause stress on the heart, in which it is unable to keep up with the demand. Situations that can lead to myocardial infarctions include low oxygen, low blood pressure, or when the heart is beating too fast.
What Symptoms Should I Watch For?
There are many symptoms of myocardial infarctions to be on the lookout for. Some are common in both men and women, and some are more prevalent amongst a specific gender. Common signs of a heart attack include but are not limited to:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Chest pain (angina) that is crushing, squeezing, or aching. Recurring angina can be a warning sign that a heart attack may happen in the future.
- Pain in other areas, such as the arm, jaw, abdomen, or back
- Anxiety
- A feeling of impending doom
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort
- Insomnia
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
With all these potential symptoms, it is important to recognize that some are more likely to occur in men or women.
Women Vs. Men
Women have more atypical symptoms than men. They are more likely to experience fatigue, nausea, and pain in areas other than the chest, such as the arm, back, jaw, or abdomen. They may not experience any chest pain at all, which can create the illusion that the issue is unrelated to the heart.
Women are more likely to experience symptoms days or even weeks prior, such as fatigue, arm or back pain, insomnia, or anxiety. Older women tend to complain of more shortness of breath rather than chest pain. When comparing age at the time of a heart attack, women experience them later in life than men. Women are less likely to receive timely care and delay seeking medical attention because of the potential lack of education regarding symptoms in women.
Men tend to present with more typical symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. However, they are more likely to have a silent myocardial infarction, which means that no symptoms are present at all. Men do report sweating more often than women. Studies have shown that men have fewer symptoms overall than women at the time of the myocardial infarction. Although men tend to present with more typical symptoms, it is important to recognize that they can all present in both men and women.
Time Is of the Essence
A myocardial infarction is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. The longer the heart is deprived of oxygen, the lower its chances of survival. If any of the symptoms mentioned are noticed, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Healthcare providers and hospitals are trained to care for such patients in a timely manner, with proper procedures, medications, and protocols. Understanding what causes a myocardial infarction, the underlying pathophysiology, and the symptoms in both men and women empowers individuals with knowledge that can save lives.
About Author:
Rachel Pugmire is a registered nurse and freelance writer. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018, with a minor in gerontology. Her areas of expertise include emergency medicine, pediatrics, and pharmaceutical clinical trials. Medical writing has given her a platform to do what she is passionate about, which is educating patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
Rachel is an independent contributor to CEUfast's Nursing Blog Program. Please note that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely of the independent contributor and do not necessarily represent those of CEUfast. This blog post is not medical advice. Always consult with your personal healthcare provider for any health-related questions or concerns.
If you want to learn more about CEUfasts Nursing Blog Program or would like to submit a blog post for consideration, please visit https://ceufast.com/blog/submissions.
