A retired nurse is urging women to trust their instincts when it comes to heart health, saying women’s cardiac symptoms can differ from those experienced by men.
Sunshine Coast resident Sally needed several visits to different hospitals before doctors identified a significant blockage in a major artery.
“It took four emergency presentations before I was admitted to the cardiac ward and, within 24 hours, I underwent cardiac investigations, diagnosis and a stent,” she says.
“I never really had chest pain. Even when I needed a stent before, it was shortness of breath and fatigue.
“It was thanks to my GP: a female who listened and arranged a cardiology referral for admission and investigations.”
A Sunshine Coast Health spokesperson says the warning signs leading up to a heart attack can vary greatly from person to person.
“For both men and women, the most common heart attack symptom is chest pain, which may also be felt as tightness, pressure, heaviness or a crushing sensation,” the spokesperson says.
“Non-chest pain symptoms of a heart attack may include pain, tightness or discomfort in your arms, shoulder, neck, back and jaw, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, cold sweats, and tiredness or fatigue.
“While the symptoms are similar for both men and women, women are more likely than men to experience non-chest pain symptoms.”
For Sally, who leads a fit and healthy lifestyle, the message is simple and urgent.
“You have to be your own advocate. You have to keep pushing until someone listens,” she says.
“Women need to shout from the rooftops: ‘We have different symptoms’ and doctors need to listen.
“Despite my serious concerns and protracted delay for my investigations and subsequent diagnosis and stent, I would still like to sincerely acknowledge the excellent nursing and medical care I received.”
This Heart Week (May 4-10), the Heart Foundation is encouraging health professionals to ‘Never miss a BEAT’ by using the latest tools and resources to deliver more heart health checks to eligible patients.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the warning signs of a heart attack, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Disclaimer – names have been changed to protect privacy.
