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Hi, thanks for this post. It is exactly what i was looking for. Look forward to reading more .
What should women do to prevent a heart attack?
Many factors contribute to heart disease and subsequently heart attacks. Our article on heart disease risk factors dives into this!
I’ve been trying to find a blog I came across last year with women in their 50s who had survived NSTEMI LADs who had no risk factors, no other plaques, and nml EF after just like me. It was an amazing blog; this population needs to be evaluated & followed.
Mine was 2 1/2 years ago. Im actually glass not to have had stem cells w accessory artey growth. The pt. you wrote about who had a 2nd LAD had nml troponin owing to accessory flow? He was very very lucky to have immediate angio, dx and tx.
Diana ONEILL, FNP
Long Beach, NY
I am a 78YO “young” female; work out in gym 6-7 days weekly. I had three(as far as I know) events preceding NSTEMI. First, 3-4 mos before NSTEMI, I had pain across and down chest in middle of night; stopped after 15-20 min and I slept rest of night; 2nd occurrence – cold clammy sweats and burning unilaterally upper arms-10x total over 3 month period (during day). 3rd time – unilateral upper arm burning and upper chest burning for 30 min. at night; Next morning at the clinic, I had elevated troponin but nothing much else. They sent me over to nearby university hospital ER. Troponin continued to increase (to 5.7); and docs continued to pow-wow over what to do with me. Finally (by about 2 PM) they decided to do angiogram, that resulted in PCI RCA 90, 80, 70. (plus LAD/D2 bifurcation a week later). I feel that my symptoms did not fit into a STEMI pattern that is easier to diagnose (and more dangerous), but this really peeves me. Also, one cardiologist is STILL not convinced that the cold sweats/unilateral arm burning really were indication of potential MI. Yes, women are treated differently than men b/c their symtoms are often NOT LIKE THOSE OF MEN. Pity the poor women across the nation using community and even regional hospitals (if they even get that far!) BTW, I had gone to the clinic a few years back with chest pains. No problems, but the RN reassured me… “It’s good that you came in b/c you never can tell.” So, in this NSTEMI case, I thought that going to the doc would also be a false alarm. Thus, I waited.
I suffered with mild angina, cold sweats, tingling in extremities, fatigue and dizziness for 20 years. I’ve never smoked but doctors said I was “menopausal”, “post-menopausal” and “it’s your age” (I am now 70). Finally, I had a blackout on holiday last year which I reported to my new doctor who referred me to a cardiologist for tests. After inconclusive stress tests, ECG, dopplar, etc at 2 hospitals I was sent to another hospital for an angiography test, which resulted in angioplasty, and 2 coronary stents. Apparently my arteries are unusually fine, no plaque, and probably hereditary. The blackout was a TIA. What a relief that after only a month with my 2 stents, I now feel much more alive with enough energy to get through the day without pain, fatigue and breathlessness.
I would recommend ladies to pursue any unusual symptoms, whatever your age and however mild your symptoms. Find a doctor with cardiac expertise who will not see you as a Time-Waster!