What Are The Signs Of A Heart Attack in Women?

It may be surprising, but heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. And while most of us have heard of someone who suddenly collapses in cardiac arrest, the signs of a heart attack can often be much more subtle.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms now, call 911 immediately.  Evaluation and  treatment can begin in the ambulance and a cardiologist will be waiting when you arrive in the emergency department. 

Reasons to Take Notice

It’s important to know the symptoms of a heart attack so that if you experience them, you can get immediate medical help. It’s often hard for women to feel like they have the time to take care of themselves. They’re often so busy taking care of everyone else! If this describes you, think of your family and those whom you love. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms and have a nagging feeling like something is just not right, imagine that if you had a heart attack while driving or while in the presence of a family member. It would not only be devastating for you, but also for them. Consider the following signs and if you ever experience them, get to the hospital right away. For yourself. And for the ones you love.

Know the Symptoms

A woman can be having a heart attack without experiencing the well-known signs of chest pressure or a squeezing sensation around her heart. Of course, a fullness, uncomfortable pressure or pain in the center of your chest are symptoms, also, and should never be ignored. These symptoms typically last more than a few minutes then stop for a while only to start again.

It’s also important to know the following less commonly known signs of a heart attack in women:

• Pain in one or both arms, back or neck
• Unusual pain in the back can be caused by stress on your heart muscle. Sometimes pain radiates to one or both arms and through the neck.
• Jaw pain: Sometimes your heart can’t indicate that it’s in distress so the pain radiates elsewhere. Pain or discomfort in your jaw, even if it goes away for a while, may be an indicator of heart disease.
• Nausea: Some women have described flu-like symptoms like nausea and vomiting, breaking out in a cold sweat, lightheadedness and fainting spells days or weeks before having a heart attack.
• Shortness of breath: You may feel like you’ve just run a few miles and have trouble catching your breath, although you’re still.

If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, call 911. Taking action right away may prevent damage to your heart and even save your life.