Heart Attack Symptoms May Be Vague
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We all know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, right? Pain in the chest that radiates to the jaw. It is easy to recognize, right? Actually not.
Up to 40% of heart attacks involve symptoms that are not so simple to detect -- symptoms like nausea, weakness and perspiration. They are often the only warning signs in diabetics, and the elderly often do not have classic signs.
Recent studies have also shown women are more likely than men to have vague symptoms. It is estimated that 3 to 5% of people with heart attacks are sent away from emergency rooms. So if the health professionals are having difficulty finding who is at risk it only makes sense that you should explore the issue if you have any doubt.
Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor
