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8 Health Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore

If you have any, it's time to get medical attention

By Grandparents.com

(This article previously appeared on Grandparents.com.)

We’ve all ignored medical symptoms from time to time, usually without dire consequences. Let’s face it: It’s much easier to avoid the doctor than to go and be told that what you’re secretly worrying about is nothing.

But there are some symptoms that should send you to your doctor without a moment’s hesitation. To get guidance on what those might be, we checked with Dr. Cindy Parnes, founder and Director of the New Jersey Women’s Wellness Center in Montvale, N.J.

She noted that “paying attention to what seems like inconsequential complaints sometimes can prevent a trip to the ER or identify more serious issues.” So when should you definitely call the doctor? Here are eight red flags you should never ignore:

1. Chest Pain

That searing pain in your chest may, in fact, be a heart attack — the type you often see depicted on television shows. So if you feel a squeezing feeling in your chest, call 911.

“Women will take an aspirin, but they won’t call 911,” Parnes says. Taking an aspirin is a good idea, but do call for emergency help.

If the pain is less severe, but it keeps recurring, you should also call your doctor. “You have to make a judgment,” Parnes says.And don’t assume a heart attack is always felt in the chest. Such symptoms as back pain, nausea, jaw pain or extreme fatigue (like you can’t make your bed without needing a nap) may indicate that your heart is in distress. If you are experiencing any of these, call 911 and say you’re having a heart attack.

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2. Severe Head Pain

If you have a headache that comes on suddenly and can only be described as the worst pain you’ve ever had in your life, call 911 immediately. You may have an aneurysm, a weak area in the wall of an artery supplying blood to the brain.

The pain is the result of the enlarged artery pressing on your brain. If it ruptures, you could have a stroke, or worse, die from the bleeding into the brain. Do not hesitate; call 911.

Parnes says this is different than a migraine, though similar symptoms, including vomiting, light sensitivity, and fainting can occur. But the pain in your head will be so gripping that you will barely be able to stand it.

By Grandparents.com

Grandparents.com is a lifestyle website, social media community & peer group that unites & connects America's 70 million Grandparents to the best information and premier products & services just for them. Our goal is to promote well-being and give timely information on what really matters to you, from health and money to family and relationships to travel and retirement.

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