Most of the time people who are experiencing a heart attack will have pain in the chest, shortness of breath, etc. Silent heart attack symptoms might be as simple as indigestion, flu-like symptoms, or feeling discomfort like a pulled muscle in the chest or back According to Karla Kurrelmeyer, MD, Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center cardiologist.
It’s important to have these symptoms checked as soon as possible to avoid scarring or damage to the heart. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a weakening of the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber It is brought on by the release of stress hormones that shock the heart, causing changes in the heart muscles that then cause the left ventricle to not work properly. The vast majority of people who are affected by this condition are women in the late 50s to mid-70s.
Someone experiencing this condition might develop chest pains or shortness of breath after severe stress, either emotional or physical, she said. In most cases, it is treated with medication such as beta blockers or ACE inhibitors. It’s important to have an echocardiogram as soon as possible if you are experiencing any symptoms.
A spike in blood pressure is also commonduring the holidays. Kurrelmeyer says many women end up in the ER with chest pains or palpitations and, in the most severe cases, can suffer a stroke. If a woman has a history of high blood pressure it’s important to monitor it closely, especially during those times when the stress level rises.
Heart problems in women are not usually as recognizable as they are in men. Some of the symptoms for women include:
• Extreme weakness, anxiety, or shortness of breath.
• Discomfort, pressure, heaviness or pain in the chest, arm, below the breastbone or in the middle of the back.
• Sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
• Fullness, indigestion, a tightness in the throat area.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats.
It’s important to take time for yourself and do things that will help relieve your stress.
Exercise, either walking or running, yoga, meditation, a nice walk with a loved one, whatever it takes, make it happen.
Source: newswise