Dr Amir Khan heart attack warning for women of certain age - 'protection is gone'

Dr Amir Khan heart attack warning for women of certain age - 'protection is gone' Once women pass a certain point, a biological defence gets weaker Women of a certain age may be at a higher risk of a heart attack as they get older, a doctor has warned. Being aware of the 'subtle' signs and symptoms could help pinpoint if the potentially life-threatening problem is occurring. Speaking on his No Appointment Necessary podcast, NHS GP Dr Amir Khan said that women who have gone through the menopause could be at higher risk of a heart attack. The ITV regular explains that the lack of certain hormones leaves women with less protection as they get older. He said: "A lot of the studies and symptoms and everything have been based on men presenting with heart attacks. Before the menopause, estrogen helps lower blood pressure. "It helps manage cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity - so women before the menopause are at lower risk of heart disease and heart attacks. After the menopause, that protection is gone and the risk is just the same." A woman is in postmenopause (the phase after menopause) 12 months after her final menstrual period, which, on average, happens around age 51 or 52. What heart attack symptoms are more common in women? According to the British Heart Foundation, chest pain is still the most common symptom for both men and women. However, women are more likely to experience additional, subtle symptoms. Common symptoms more frequently highlighted or experienced by women include: - Shortness of breath (with or without chest discomfort) - Pain or discomfort spreading to the jaw, neck, upper back, shoulders, or stomach - Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion-like symptoms (such as a burning feeling or feeling very full/bloated) - Unusual or extreme fatigue that comes on suddenly or does not ease with rest - Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting - Cold sweats or sudden anxiety The charity claims: "Women sometimes experience lesser-known symptoms rather than chest pain. This difference can delay care, which is why it’s important to know the other symptoms that can be related to a heart attack." What to do when someone is having a heart attack The NHS says people should call 999 if they (or someone with them) are having chest pain that feels "feels tight or like squeezing on your chest". This could be a heart attack. The health service outlines the exact steps to take on its website. If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, there are some things you can do while you wait for help: Sit and rest on the floor in a comfortable position, with your knees bent and your back supported. If you cannot do this, you can also sit in a chair. Take aspirin (300mg) if you have any. It acts as an antiplatelet medicine that stops blood cells from clumping together and forming new clots If you have angina, take your glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray if you have it with you. Keep checking someone who may be having a heart attack to make sure they're still responding and breathing. If someone stops responding to you and stops breathing, start CPR.