Myocardial infarction in women is still too often diagnosed late. For what ? Quite simply because women do not always have the “classic” chest pain that we see in men.
In them, the heart speaks differently, sometimes using misleading clinical signs which delay treatment.
Why is nighttime a time of risk of confusion?
At night, the body is at rest, but it is also the time when the hormonal changes of menopause manifest themselves in sweating. It is precisely here that the trap closes.
“Night sweats or sudden hot flashes can be an atypical symptom of heart attack in women, often confused with those of menopause, especially at night when they wake up.” specifies Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
It is crucial to understand that although these signs look similar, their origins are radically different. Hot flashes linked to menopause are recurrent and part of a certain hormonal routine, while those of a heart attack are unusual and sudden.
How to differentiate cardiac sweats from those linked to menopause?
In order not to miss the urgency, we must observe the very nature of these sweats.
Dr. Kierzek explains: “They are not identical: those of menopause are recurrent and linked to hormones, while those of a heart attack are sudden, unusual, and associated with other cardiac signs.
The infarction manifests itself less by intense heat than by “profuse cold sweats” which are accompanied by a feeling of general malaise. These episodes are more intense, the skin becomes clammy and cold, and waking up is often marked by a feeling of suffocation or unexplained anxiety.
Other “atypical” signs to watch out for in women
The absence of severe chest pain does not mean everything is okay.
“In women, the infarction manifests itself less by intense chest pain (present in 50% of cases) than by profuse cold sweats, nausea, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue, which can imitate menopausal hot flashes. underlines the doctor.
Other more discreet symptoms should alert you, particularly in women or people with diabetes:
- Unexplained fatigue;
- Upper abdominal pain or simple “indigestion”;
- Tightening or burning pain radiating to the jaw, arm, back or stomach;
- Dizziness, paleness, or irregular heartbeat.
Saving reflexes: don’t wait until morning
Faced with these signs, time is your worst enemy. It is common for women to hesitate to disturb emergency services, thinking that rest will calm the situation. This is a fatal error.
Dr. Kierzek is adamant. “This is an absolute emergency: call 15 (SAMU), 18 or 112 immediately, without waiting until the morning or trying to stay at rest.”
He also reminds you to never get behind the wheel yourself. “Don’t drive yourself; remain seated or lying down while waiting for help.”
When it comes to heart health, there is no room for doubt. As Dr Gérald Kierzek rightly points out: “It’s better to call for nothing than to be late: every minute counts to limit heart damage.”
If a night sweat seems different, colder or more distressing than usual, have no hesitation: call the emergency numbers immediately.