Recognizing heart attack symptoms in women

November 4, 11:16 AMMinnesota Heart Health ExaminerDeanna Sletten

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Women need to know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack before it happens.

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Women experience heart attack symptoms differently than men do and that is why women are more likely to be misdiagnosed when having a heart attack. Yet, according to the article "Heart disease in women: Understand symptoms and risk factors" on the Mayo Clinic website, more women die of heart disease than men each year and more women over age 65 die of heart disease than all the cancers combined. Because women are at such a high risk of experiencing a heart attack, it is important for women to understand the signs and symptoms so they can get the medical attention they need.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Women can experience warning signs of a heart attack weeks before the attack actually occurs. In a study published in the Circulation Journal of the American Heart Association, women reported having warning signs up to 6 weeks before their heart attack. Symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath and stomach pains were reported. Women who have high blood pressure, high LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, are overweight, have diabetes or have a family history of heart disease should take such warning signs seriously as they may be an indication of a blocked artery.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

The most common symptoms of a heart attack are a sudden pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest and numbness in the left arm. This can occur in women, but most women report they do not experience a heart attack this way. Symptoms women do report are:

• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lower chest pain or discomfort
• Unusual fatigue
• Abdominal pressure or the feeling of indigestion
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Upper back, neck or shoulder pain

These symptoms do not necessarily occur during strenuous exercise or while stressed, they often occur while the person is relaxing or sleeping. Women who experience some or all of these symptoms should call 911 immediately.

Whether a woman is at high risk of having a heart attack or not, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Knowing the warning signs can alert women to the danger of heart disease and save lives.