Which statement about MI symptoms in women is true?

Which statement about MI symptoms in women is true?

• A. Women always experience chest pressure like men
• B. Women may have shortness of breath and fatigue
• C. Women never experience dizziness during MI
• D. Women have no upper back pain during MI

Answer: (B)

Women experiencing a heart attack often present differently from men, with non-chest symptoms that can be easy to miss. Shortness of breath and fatigue are common features in women during an MI, and they may occur even if there isn’t the classic chest pressure. That makes the statement describing shortness of breath and fatigue as possible MI symptoms in women the most accurate choice and the best way to reflect typical female presentations. The idea that women always have chest pressure like men isn’t correct, since many women experience little to no chest pain. Dizziness can occur during an MI in women, so the claim that it never happens isn’t accurate. And upper back pain can also be a symptom for some women, so ruling that out isn’t correct either. Recognizing these possibilities helps ensure timely assessment and treatment.

Women experiencing a heart attack often present differently from men, with non-chest symptoms that can be easy to miss. Shortness of breath and fatigue are common features in women during an MI, and they may occur even if there isn’t the classic chest pressure. That makes the statement describing shortness of breath and fatigue as possible MI symptoms in women the most accurate choice and the best way to reflect typical female presentations. The idea that women always have chest pressure like men isn’t correct, since many women experience little to no chest pain. Dizziness can occur during an MI in women, so the claim that it never happens isn’t accurate. And upper back pain can also be a symptom for some women, so ruling that out isn’t correct either. Recognizing these possibilities helps ensure timely assessment and treatment.