Which group of patients is most likely to experience atypical symptoms of myocardial infarction?

Women are known to experience atypical symptoms during a myocardial infarction (MI), often leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. While men may present with classic symptoms, such as crushing chest pain, women can exhibit a range of less typical signs, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and back or jaw pain.

This difference in presentation might be attributed to physiological and hormonal factors, as well as differences in coronary artery disease manifestations. Many women may not recognize these atypical symptoms as being related to a heart attack, which contributes to a higher risk of delayed treatment.

Understanding this can aid in recognizing the importance of thorough assessments and heightened awareness among healthcare providers when treating women, ensuring they receive timely intervention during acute coronary events.