The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that, depending on your medical background, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy if you're a woman past menopause. Although studies have linked estrogen replacement with a reduced risk of heart disease, there are other risks to be considered. Any decision to use hormone replacement therapy should be discussed carefully with your doctor. Women need to be aware of something else. That s because women often have different signs of a heart attack than men.
Women are more likely to have nausea and pain high in the abdomen.
They also may experience a burning in the chest that they dismiss as indigestion. Women also can have atypical angina resulting in extreme fatigue instead of chest pain from physical exertion. Angina is not a heart attack but is an indication for a doctor that more investigation is needed. If you suspect a heart attack in yourself or another person, seek emergency medical help right away. All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care.