Safety at home Note · 4 min read

A heart attack doesn't always feel like chest pain, especially in older women

Breathlessness, nausea, jaw or back pain, or tiredness for no reason can be the only signs. What to watch for, and when to call 112

The Pushpa team · 5 sources

Pushpa notes28

Not always chest pain

Breathless for no reason
Feeling sick, or sweating
Pain in the jaw, back or arm
Unusually tired

If in doubt, call 112

Not just chest pain

We picture a heart attack as a man clutching his chest. In older people, and in women, it often looks different. MedlinePlus notes that shortness of breath is sometimes the only symptom, and that women are more likely to feel tired for no reason. The US CDC adds that some women have no symptoms at all

40%

of heart attack patients over 65 had breathlessness, vs 15% of younger ones, in a study from western India (J Cardiovasc Dis Res, 2013)

Signs to take seriously

Chest pain, pressure or tightness, which may spread to the arm, neck, jaw or back
Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain
Feeling sick, vomiting, or what feels like indigestion or heartburn
Sweating, dizziness
Unusual tiredness for no clear reason

The same Indian study found that a fifth of older patients (21.5%) had no chest pain at all, against 7.5% of younger ones. Its conclusion: heart attacks are more subtle in the elderly. That's why “thoda saans phool raha hai, bas thakaan hai” deserves a second question

What to do

Call 112 straight away. Don't wait to see if it passes
Don't drive her yourself if an ambulance can come
The NHS advises chewing an aspirin (300 mg) if available and not allergic, while waiting. Ask her doctor in advance whether that's right for her
Keep her medicine list and reports ready for the hospital

How Pushpa helpsOn every call Pushpa listens for breathlessness, chest discomfort or unusual tiredness. If something sounds like it can't wait, Pushpa tells her to call for help and alerts the family immediately

This is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency in India, call 112