At 46 years old with no health problems or any previous medical history with heart issues, the last thing Nikki expected was to have a heart attack. So, when sneaky symptoms started cropping up, she didn’t think much of them. She even chalked most of them up to perimenopause. Now, from her hospital bed post-heart attack, she is sharing her story. Her hope is that talking about what she experienced may urge other women to go get help before it is too late.
The Initial Symptoms
Nikki started out her video explaining a bit more about who she is. She states that she is 46 years old with no previous medical record of any health problems. She also made it clear that she had never taken any of the Covid vaccines, to clear that up before people speculated on that as being the cause. Nikki went on to explain that a couple of weeks ago, she woke up in the morning with some pain in her left shoulder. Initially, she dismissed it as having probably slept in an awkward position. She thought that maybe she was experiencing what’s called ‘frozen shoulder’, something often attributed to perimenopause. It was sore and definitely a nuisance, but she didn’t think it was anything serious.
Nausea and Discomfort
As the days passed, Nikki’s symptoms escalated. One morning, she woke up and not only was her shoulder very sore, but she explained that she felt so nauseous that she thought she might throw up. That wave of nausea seemed to pass, however, so she went about her day like it was nothing.
Increasing Pain and Decision Making
The morning of her heart attack, Nikki recalls waking up again with a sore shoulder. Also again, she felt like she was going to throw up. She went to get some coffee and then sat back down for a minute, describing a sensation of tightness in her chest. From there, the pain in her shoulder started traveling or radiating down her arm. Sensing the seriousness of the situation, she alerted her husband and decided to monitor her condition closely. He stayed while she took a shower to see if her symptoms would calm down for a little bit. Nikki’s symptoms improved temporarily, leading her to go ahead with her plans for the day.
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Emergency Room Dilemma
Nikki coincidentally had a doctor’s appointment scheduled already for that morning, so that’s where she went first. She was certain that he would listen to her heart and that, after explaining what she had been experiencing, the doctor would tell her what to do. Her doctor told her that sometimes there is a kind of warning that the body sends you, but then it corrects itself. He told her that if it happens again, to go to the emergency room straight away. The reason why he didn’t send her right away was because she wasn’t experiencing any symptoms at that moment, so it would be hard for the emergency room doctors to be able to see what was going on.
From there, she went out for lunch with her daughter. When leaving the restaurant, however, her symptoms returned quickly. The pain intensified, and she realized she was likely in the midst of a full-blown heart attack. She explained that the pain was radiating all the way down her arm, her chest was tight like someone was squeezing it, and she was feeling very sick again. In an incredible stroke of luck, she was one street away from the emergency room. She was trying to decide whether or not to call an ambulance to come and get her or if she should just drive herself. With time being of the essence, Nikki opted to drive herself, hoping to get medical help quickly.
Seeking Medical Aid
Upon arrival at the emergency room, Nikki experienced extreme sweating and a numbing sensation in her arm, indicating the severity of the situation. There were about 50 people in the waiting room, but Nikki knew she couldn’t wait. She went straight to the counter and told them, shaking heavily, that she needed someone to look at her heart. A nurse peeked his head around the corner, saw Nikki, and waved her back right away. Nikki says that he saved her life. Within seconds, it was confirmed that she was having a heart attack, and within minutes, that she was being prepped for procedure, and minutes after that, she was receiving medical treatment. Now on the road to recovery, Nikki’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of recognizing and acting on the warning signs of a heart attack.
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Understanding Signs of Heart Attack in Women
It is important for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. What many people don’t realize, however, is that the signs of a heart attack in women are different from those of men. They can often also be much more subtle and therefore easily ignored. Knowing the signs of a heart attack in women can save your or another woman’s life.
Common Signs and Symptoms
As already stated, heart attacks can strike women without warning. Although heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States, the symptoms are often overlooked or attributed to less severe conditions. Understanding the symptoms unique to women can help in distinguishing a heart attack from other ailments.
- Chest Discomfort: Women may experience uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest. This pain usually lasts more than a few minutes, but it may also occur intermittently.
- Pain Radiating to Other Areas: Pain or discomfort may spread to the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw, or stomach. This radiating pain is often experienced in the left side of the body, however, it should not be ignored if it is occurring on the right side, either.
- Shortness of Breath: Women may have difficulty breathing, with or without chest discomfort.
- Other Symptoms: Additional signs can include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, and lightheadedness. The nausea can start off lighter, but will usually progress to feeling like you are going to throw up.
Taking Action
The sooner you act, the less likely you will be to have a full-blown heart attack and find yourself in a potentially fatal situation. If you are experiencing these symptoms, get yourself to the emergency room right away. Ideally, you will have someone to take you, or you will be able to call 911 and be picked up by an ambulance. Make sure you advocate for yourself and don’t let your symptoms be brushed off as something else without having proper exams done first.
Prevention and Awareness
By understanding the symptoms of a heart attack in women and taking proactive steps towards heart health, individuals can reduce the risk of heart disease. Healthy lifestyle choices, regular medical check-ups, and awareness of symptoms can play a significant role in preventing heart attacks and promoting overall well-being. All of that being said, even healthy people can experience heart problems. Don’t let being healthy, young, or any other reason stop you from investigating your symptoms further.
The Bottom Line
Nikki is extremely lucky. The fact that she happened to be so close to the hospital at the time when her heart attack really came on, and that she was able to receive medical attention so quickly, saved her life. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack in women is vital in ensuring timely intervention and reducing the risks associated with heart disease. By being informed, attentive, and proactive, individuals can safeguard their heart health and take necessary steps towards a healthier future.
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