In recent decades, scientists have realized that heart attack symptoms can be quite different for women than for men. The journal Circulation published the findings of a multicenter study of 515 women who’d experienced a heart attack. The most frequently reported symptoms didn’t include chest pain. Instead, women reported unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
Nearly 80 percent reported experiencing at least one symptom for more than a month before their heart attack. In a survey published in the journal Circulation, only 65 percent of women said they’d call 911 if they thought they might be having a heart attack.
Chest Pain or Discomfort:
- Description: Chest pain associated with a heart attack may feel like pressure, tightness, fullness, or a squeezing sensation. It is often centered behind the breastbone (sternum) but can radiate to the arms (especially the left arm), jaw, neck, back, or stomach.
- Characteristics: The pain may come and go, or it could be persistent. It might worsen with physical activity or emotional stress and may be accompanied by sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
- Action: Any chest pain, especially if severe, persistent, or associated with other symptoms, should prompt immediate medical attention.
Shortness of Breath:
- Description: Feeling breathless or having difficulty breathing, even when at rest or during minimal physical exertion.
Characteristics: It may feel like you can’t get enough air or that you’re suffocating. This symptom can occur suddenly or gradually worsen over time.
Action: If you experience unexplained or severe shortness of breath, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Fatigue:
- Description: Persistent and unusual tiredness or lack of energy that isn’t relieved by rest.
- Characteristics: It may be extreme fatigue that limits your ability to perform daily activities.
- Action: Fatigue can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including heart problems. If it’s new, persistent, or severe, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Weakness:
- Description: Sudden weakness in one side of the body or overall weakness that feels unusual.
- Characteristics: It may be accompanied by a loss of coordination or difficulty moving limbs.
- Action: Weakness, especially if sudden or severe, should be assessed promptly by a medical professional to rule out serious conditions like stroke or heart attack.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness:
- Description: Feeling faint, dizzy, lightheaded, or on the verge of passing out.
- Characteristics: It may occur suddenly and without warning, especially when standing up quickly or after exertion.
- Action: Persistent dizziness or lightheadedness should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
Cold Sweats:
- Description: Sudden, unexplained cold or clammy sweats that are not related to physical activity or environment.
- Characteristics: These sweats may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, or shortness of breath.
- Action: Cold sweats, particularly if sudden and severe, should be evaluated urgently by a healthcare professional.
Nausea or Vomiting:
- Description: Persistent nausea, indigestion, or vomiting that is not related to food poisoning or gastrointestinal issues.
- Characteristics: It may be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, or shortness of breath.
- Action: If nausea or vomiting persists and is severe or unusual for you, seek medical evaluation.
Pain in Other Parts of the Body:
- Description: Pain or discomfort in areas such as the neck, jaw, back, shoulders, or arms.
- Characteristics: The pain may be dull, sharp, or throbbing and may come and go. It may be more pronounced on one side of the body.
- Action: Any unexplained pain or discomfort, especially when associated with other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, should prompt medical attention.
Irregular Heartbeat:
- Description: Palpitations or a feeling that your heart is racing, fluttering, pounding, or beating irregularly.
- Characteristics: You may notice these sensations in your chest, throat, or neck. They may occur at rest or during physical activity.
- Action: If you experience irregular heartbeats or palpitations, especially if they are severe or accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical evaluation promptly.
If you or someone else experiences any of these warning signs, it is crucial to take them seriously and seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can be life-saving and can significantly improve outcomes in the event of a heart attack or other serious medical condition.
These signals can vary in intensity and may occur intermittently or persistently. It’s crucial to pay attention to these warning signs and seek medical attention immediately if you or someone else experiences them, as they could indicate an impending heart attack. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.