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May 7, 2008 4:06 pm US/Eastern
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Heart Attack Symptoms May Differ For Women
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
A new study highlights the differences between women and men when it comes to heart attacks.
Many women don't realize that they may not have the classic symptoms of a heart attack that men generally do, and even hospitals miss the signs.
Debbie Ann Schneider is living proof that symptoms of a woman's heart attack can be very different from a man's. "I actually thought I was having a little touch of asthma, or I couldn't take a full breath entirely."
Oftentimes, even hospitals miss the signs with females. "I walk in and tell the lady I think I am having a heart attack and she sort of didn't want to get off the phone," said Schneider.
A new international study says that Schneider is not alone and is further proof that women's heart attacks are going undiagnosed.
"They don't have that typical heart attack of the middle aged businessman," said Dr. Niece Goldberg of the NYU Langone Medical Center. "Clutching his chest... Instead, the symptoms are more subtle, it could be shortness of breath, fatigue."
And also nausea, chest pressure and upper back pain.
The study also found that six months after their first severe heart attack, women were more likely to die then men, likely from being under treated.
"It seems we are still back in the dark ages of women and cardiovascular disease," said Dr. Goldberg.
Dr. Goldberg says because women's arteries are blocked differently, women are less likely to receive artery opening surgery and to be given crucial heart medication known as beta-blockers.
It's been three years since Schneider's heart attack and she has advice for all women. "Know the signs, ask your doctor, and push! And make sure somebody listens."
Doctors hope the study will encourage more women to ask for treatment and more physicians to listen.
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