Acute myocardial infarction is the main cause of deaths in Brazil. According to the Ministry of Health, it is estimated that there are 300,000 to 400,000 cases annually in the country. Furthermore, every 5 to 7 cases there is one death. This is why it is so important to pay attention to the signals given by the heart.
However, initial symptoms can vary from person to person – and especially between gender. “But, most of the time, it starts with severe chest pain, which can radiate to the neck or left arm. This pain may be accompanied by shortness of breath and intense sweating”, explains Dr. Bruna Miliosse, cardiologist at Hospital Icaraí.
Different symptoms of heart attacks between men and women
In some cases, the clinical presentation in women may be less typical, points out the expert. This is because they may only present shortness of breath, malaise, sweating or less intense pain.
“That is why it is important to seek help as soon as the individual starts to feel unwell, so that the doctor can adequately assess the condition in time to take the necessary measures for each condition”, he warns.
Bruna reinforces that seeking medical care at the nearest health unit is extremely important during a heart attack. After all, this can change the evolution of the disease.
Prevention
However, as important as quick help is prevention. To prevent a heart attack, you need to avoid pre-existing diseases that increase the risk of the condition appearing. This is the case, for example, of high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, obesity and high blood cholesterol.
“Some habits, such as smoking, also increase this risk. Therefore, people with these diseases or habits are more likely to have a heart attack than others”, warns the cardiologist.
In addition, the doctor also recommends other essential health care. That is, adopting a healthy diet, avoiding excess fat and salt, as well as adopting a physical exercise routine and a balanced lifestyle. This way it is possible to prevent cardiac episodes such as heart attack.
