One of the major causes for fatalities all over the world is heart attack. This happens due to an interruption in supply of blood to some part of the heart, causing cells there to die. This blood supply to heart is interrupted usually because of a blocked artery in the heart. Compared to heart attack, the stroke is a result of brain losing its functioning because of abnormal blood supply to brain. Sometimes both stroke and heart attack can occur simultaneously, and when this happens, it can be fatal. Both of these are killer- diseases all over the globe.

Women also are at similar risk of a stroke or a heart attack. It is not correct to say that only men are prone to get a heart attack. Though statistics may reveal that most men die of heart attacks, that women are equally prone to these risks is something which is undisputable.

Symptoms of an impending stroke or heart attack are similar for both the genders. Women however experience some additional symptoms as compared to men and these can be identified as under:

1) A discomfort in the chest, which recurs
2) A discomfort or shooting pain between the shoulder-blades;
3) A feeling of fatigue and weakness; accompanied by vomiting or nausea and dizziness;
4) Stomach having gas-like pain
5) Unexplained increase in heartbeat or a pounding that happens suddenly; and/or seizure; hiccups that happens suddenly;
6) Breathing difficulty
7) Fainting or unconsciousness.

If these symptoms occur, it is necessary for a female to undergo following simple tests, to ascertain whether it is a stroke/heart-attack:

1. Look into the mirror and notice whether only one side is responding when you smile?
2. Try to raise your arms; does one of the arms drift down?
3. Try to speak simple words, do the words sound incorrectly?

If your answer is positive, then you may have had a heart attack, or one is impending.

When you notice these symptoms, don’t waste time and rush the patient to nearby hospital for immediate treatment. Even if you are wrong in suspecting, rushing to medical care is a good idea.