A doctor has highlighted the differences in heart attack symptoms between men and women, emphasizing that women's symptoms are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Dr. Ahmed, an A&E doctor with a large following on TikTok, shared a video explaining these distinctions.
Key Differences in Heart Attack Symptoms
Dr. Ahmed described that for men, a heart attack often feels like "a shot to the chest," whereas for women, it is "like death by a thousand cuts." He explained that men typically experience blockages from plaques made of platelets, fat, cholesterol, and calcium that break off in large chunks, blocking major arteries. In contrast, women's arteries are more flexible, and their plaques contain less calcium. These plaques break off in micro-erosions, blocking smaller vessels over time.
Why Women's Symptoms Are Dismissed
The doctor noted that women may not immediately recognize the gradual damage, as other arteries can compensate until the accumulation becomes significant. When women seek medical help, some doctors may dismiss their chest pain as anxiety after a normal ECG, missing the underlying heart attack.
Common Heart Attack Symptoms
The NHS lists symptoms including chest pain (crushing or squeezing), shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, sweating, and pale or blue skin. On black or brown skin, paleness may be visible on the palms.
What to Do During a Heart Attack
If someone experiences symptoms, call 999 immediately. Do not drive to the hospital. While waiting, the person should sit on the floor with knees bent and back supported. Chewing 300mg of aspirin may help unless allergic. Those with angina should use their GTN spray.
