Heart attack?

53 year old female, feeling of pressure in chest, back pain, headache, stomach bloated, pinching sensations left arm, underside, but pulse 74  blood pressure 130/66.  could I be having a heart attack if levels are normal?

[Yvette BG]

I'm not a doctor, but I understand people can be having a heart attack and still have a normal or near normal blood pressure. Heart attacks in women don't always include the same/typical symptoms as they do in men. Also, it's fairly common in women that symptoms of a heart attack come and go--so just because the clear up doesn't mean you're not having a heart attack.  

Better safe than sorry, right? I would seek medical attention immediately. First, take a 325 mg. aspirin tablet if you have not already done so (provided you're not allergic to aspirin and provided you've not been told you have to avoid aspirin due to medical problems)  

Good luck. Please keep us posted on how things come out.

--Yvette  

[gmachris518]

Yes, you could.  Women present with very different symptoms from men.

I've had two heart attacks and both times the pain was between my shoulders, in the back.  

Just because you don't feel the need to grab your chest, like it shows in the movies, doesn't mean that your not having a heart attack.

The ONLY way to find out is to see a doctor, whether that's in an ER, or at your doctor's office, providing he has the proper equipment.

Don't waste anymore time, just do it....okay?  

Keep us posted.....

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Were you able to have this checked by your doctor? Indeed, female heart attack symptoms can look very different than those of men. Aside from the chest pressure or discomfort men experience, women may have symptoms of shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, or pressure in the lower chest,  easily mistaken for a stomach ailment or gastrointestinal illness. Take care always and do keep us posted.