Q. My 72-year-old sister suffered a heart attack this past fall. She is recovering, thank goodness, but we are all still in shock that it happened. When her symptoms started, she thought she had the flu. Is it true that the signs of a heart attack are different for women and men?

A.   I’m so glad to hear that your sister is on the mend. A heart attack is scary, both for the person suffering and for those who love them. It’s understandable that your sister didn’t recognize her symptoms right away. Many women mistake the signs of a heart attack for other illnesses like the flu or acid reflux. The signs can be different than those we associate with heart attacks in men.

Many people are surprised to learn heart disease is the number one cause of death for women in the U.S. and worldwide. The American Heart Association has designated February 6th as Go Red for Women Day – encouraging people to wear red to raise awareness about this issue.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack can be different, depending on the person, but here are some things to watch out for:

• Chest pain
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, both arms or shoulders
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
• Shortness of breath

 Symptoms more common in women:

• Unexplained tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting

Women are often very good at pushing through discomfort, but when it comes to your heart, it’s important not to ignore what you’re feeling. Trust your instincts and seek help right away. Listening to our bodies and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right is an important part of staying healthy as we age.

I’m happy your sister is healing, and I wish her continued good health and strength in the days ahead.

Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org. 

Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.