AEMCA Practice Exam

What are common signs of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in women?

1. Chest pain and sweating

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Shortness of breath and numbness in arms

4. Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, back pain, general malaise

The correct answer is: Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, back pain, general malaise

The common signs of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in women can often be quite different from those typically associated with heart attacks in men. Women may present with a wider range of symptoms, and option D encompasses several of these manifestations. Shortness of breath is a frequently reported symptom in women experiencing AMI, which can occur with or without chest discomfort. Nausea and vomiting are also significant indicators, and they may contribute to the discomfort a patient feels. Back pain is another symptom that some women report, which can be misunderstood or attributed to other issues, leading to delays in seeking treatment. General malaise refers to an overall feeling of unwellness, which can include fatigue and weakness, and is often overlooked but is crucial in recognizing an AMI. Emphasizing these varied symptoms in women is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment of AMI, as traditional signs like chest pain may not always be present or may be less pronounced. Recognizing that women may exhibit a combination of these symptoms helps in understanding their unique presentations during a myocardial infarction and underlines the importance of considering a broader range of signs when assessing potential cardiac events in female patients.