Doctor discusses heart attack symptoms in women
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - According to the American Heart Association, someone in the U.S. suffers from a heart attack every 40 seconds. In fact, a heart doctor told News 4, heart disease is the number one killer of women. As they age, their chances of a heart attack increases.
"Ordinarily, I would've said, 'You know what? When it's time to go it's time to go.' But you don't have to go prematurely," said Aleshia Moore.
Moore is now taking better care of her health. She's been focusing on what goes in and how she feels.
The single mom's other main focus is her son, who has autism.
"The one thing that I really don't want to happen is for my son to have to find me," said Moore.
Back in November, Moore had a heart attack. She had no idea. She said the symptoms showed up days before.
"I expected to grab my arm, clutch my chest, or pass out," said Moore.
Instead, she felt weak. She was excessively sweating. Moore also had heartburn and tight muscles. Her heart was racing.
Assuming it was her heart disease, she's been living with for years, she pushed through.
"I still get up, get my son dressed," said Moore.
When the vomiting started, Moore reluctantly went to the hospital. She smiled through it, trying to get out of there quickly because she's a busy mom.
That's when she got the news.
"And they're like, 'Ma'am, we think you're in the middle of a heart attack.' I was like, 'Right now?'" said Moore. "I ain't got time for that? I supposed to go to Texas tomorrow."
Dr. Alecia Mack, a cardiologist, said this is not surprising.
"[Women] put themselves on the back burner and that's common to see. People just don't believe that it's happening to them," said Mack.
Dr. Mack said symptoms in women aren't always the same as men. The symptoms might include upper back pain, sometimes chest pain, pressure, fainting, indigestion, and extreme fatigue.
Dr. Mack also pointed out, as a woman's age goes up, so do her chances of a heart attack. It usually happens ten years later than men.
"However, we are seeing a lot of younger women have heart attacks," said Dr. Mack. "My youngest [patients] have been, like 32."
When women survive, they are more likely to have complications after a heart attack than men.
"Getting seen and evaluated as soon as possible can make a difference," said Dr. Mack.
After her surgery and stints, that's a lesson Moore has kept close to her heart.
"Put yourself first, because then if you're down, then who's going to do what you do?" said Moore.
Moore is excited to participate in this year's Heart Walk, that's happening on May 31.
Registration is at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m.