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Health & Fitness

Advocate Condell heart doc urges women to know the signs of a heart attack

Condell cardiologist Dr. Robert Koch explains the difference between heart attack symptoms in women and men.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, yet despite this fact many women are not aware that their heart attack symptoms may be different from those in men.

Advocate Condell cardiologist Dr. Robert Koch states, “I have female patients who I see after they’ve already had a heart attack. Too often they tell me that ‘it just didn’t “feel” like a heart attack.’ When I ask them what a heart attack should ‘feel’ like, they often describe symptoms typical of a heart attack in men—chest pain, shortness of breath, pain radiating down the left arm.”

Dr. Koch explains that the symptoms of a heart attack in women can be different. “Women are more likely to experience heart attack symptoms that mimic indigestion, nausea or heart burn. In addition, a woman might experience a pinching feeling in her chest, or in her neck, shoulder or jaw.”

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Heart disease claims the lives of nearly one woman every minute in the U.S., and Dr. Koch urges women to be aware of the symptoms because time is of the essence.

“Early detection and treatment of heart disease is critical to a woman’s survival. If you are experiencing intermittent symptoms, you should call your physician immediately. However, if you are experiencing persistent symptoms, you should call 9-1-1 and receive immediate medical attention,” says Dr. Koch.

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To watch a brief video of Dr. Koch further explaining the symptoms of a heart attack that women may experience, click here. Or visit: http://bit.ly/VZI1Y8

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