Early warning signs of a heart attack in senior women include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and upper body pain. They may also feel weak or light-headed.
According to the American Heart Association, women were found to have a 20% higher risk of developing heart failure or dying after a severe heart attack than men. It's especially dangerous for senior women with ongoing heart conditions. Luckily, Porterville has a Cardiac Catherization Lab that specializes in treating heart conditions.
Here are the heart symptoms seniors should know as they age, and what they can do to treat them.
Many people associate heart attacks with dramatic chest pain. However, this stereotype does not always apply, especially for women over 60. Hormonal changes after menopause, existing conditions, and age-related nerve sensitivity can alter how symptoms appear.
Senior women are more likely to attribute symptoms to aging, stress, or fatigue. As a result, early intervention is delayed. This increases the risk of severe heart damage or death.
Improving heart health starts with recognizing subtle, early changes in your general health and energy levels. Good wellness habits, like staying active and eating nutritious meals, also help.
The early signs in elderly women are often subtle and easily dismissed. One of the most common indicators is persistent, unexplained exhaustion. This is not ordinary tiredness, and it can feel overwhelming and sudden.
Another key sign is shortness of breath, particularly when lying down or performing light activities. Elderly women may also notice back or jaw pain, which may get misdiagnosed as arthritis or dental issues.
Digestive symptoms are also common. Heart symptoms in women often mimic gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating, heartburn, or nausea. Many senior women delay seeking help because they do not suspect the symptoms stem from heart problems.
Several factors increase the likelihood of a heart attack in older women. These include:
Conditions such as osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation may also increase cardiovascular risk. These are more common in aging women.
Regular checkups and proactive cardiac awareness are essential components of senior women health.
Time is critical during a heart attack. Senior women should call emergency services immediately if they experience:
Waiting to "see if it passes" can be fatal. Prompt treatment reduces heart muscle damage and improves survival rates.
If left untreated, the blocked artery can starve a section of the heart muscle of oxygen, causing that tissue to die. It's important for senior safety for individuals to seek medical attention for any unknown symptoms.
The most commonly recommended first aid tablet during a suspected heart attack is aspirin. That assumes the individual is not allergic and has been advised by a healthcare provider that it is safe for them.
Aspirin works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which helps prevent blood clots from growing larger and blocking blood flow. In emergency situations, chewing a regular-strength tablet allows it to enter the bloodstream more quickly.
Keep in mind that aspirin is not a replacement for emergency medical care. It is a temporary measure that can help while you wait for paramedics to arrive.
Maintaining heart health in later life requires a multifaceted approach. Some tasks include:
Education plays a major role in prevention. The more senior women understand heart symptoms unique to their bodies, the better they can seek help.
Another consideration is staying social. Avoiding social isolation helps seniors combat mental health disorders, depression, and anxiety. Spending time with others also makes it easier to recognize early heart attack symptoms when they appear.
Yes, heart attacks tend to be more deadly for senior women. This is largely due to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Atypical symptoms often result in later hospital arrival, increasing complications.
The best option is to contact your doctor and visit the hospital as soon as you suspect an attack.
Certain medications, such as beta blockers or pain relievers, may dull classic symptoms like chest pain. These medications make heart attacks harder to recognize and easy to miss.
Not always. Some women experience microvascular disease, which may not appear on standard angiograms but still causes serious symptoms.
Yes. Sudden, intense anxiety without a clear emotional trigger can be an early warning sign, especially when paired with physical symptoms.
Always make the best judgment call you can, considering your previous health assessments. If you know you have heart disease, then you'll want to seek medical help as soon as you notice any abnormal symptoms.
Understanding the early warning signs of a heart attack in senior women is a matter of awareness, education, and empowerment. Senior women often experience symptoms that differ from traditional expectations. It's important for them to trust their instincts and seek care promptly if they ever feel strange or off.
Sierra Hills is a senior living community in Porterville, California, that offers independent living with supportive services. Residents enjoy amenities such as public spaces to socialize, a professional salon and barbershop, and more. Reach out with any questions and to schedule a tour of the community.