Warning Signs of a Heart Attack Every Woman Needs to Know

We usually believe that when a person experiences a heart attack they feel sharp chest pain and they collapse on the floor. However, not all symptoms are so obvious and the ones women experience are much different than the symptoms felt by men. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States which is why it is extremely important to know these warning signs in order to react on time.

Discomfort in the chest and other body parts

Even though sharp chest pressure is the most well-known symptom, women might also feel pain in the back, neck, jaw, stomach or arms. According to Nieca Goldberg, M.D. and medical director for the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at NYU’s Langone Medical Center: “Although men and women can experience chest pressure that feels like an elephant sitting across the chest, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure”.

Shortness of breath

Goldberg also adds that you might feel short of breath like you have just run a marathon even if you have not moved at all. This can be a sign of a silent heart attack, also known as silent ischemia which occurs because of reduced oxygen supply to the heart.

Nausea of vomiting

Symptoms that are similar to flu such as nausea might be felt weeks or days before a heart attack occurs. One woman felt this symptom which woke her up one night. She thought it was not so serious, however after going to the E.R. she discovered that she actually had a heart attack.

Cold sweats

Cold sweats are a major red flag unless you experience hot flashes simultaneously. Cold sweat breaks are common in women who are having a heart attack. This symptom is more similar to stress-related sweating rather than sweating from exercise or warm weather.

Lightheadedness or dizziness

If you also feel lightheaded along with one or more of the symptoms above, it is essential for you to get yourself checked out. According to Dr. Shamai Grossman, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School: “In older adults, lightheadedness may be the only symptom of a heart attack or a stroke, especially if it doesn’t go away”.

If you have felt any of the symptoms above or you experience them in the future, never ignore them. Consult a heath care professional immediately to avoid fatal consequences.

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