8 Heart Attack Warning Signs for Women
Since February is American Heart Month, we’re highlighting this article from The Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health, which partners with our sister association Women in Retail Leadership Circle. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S., claiming one in five lives each year. As part of its support for Go Red for Women — the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women — The Katz Institute works to educate women in the community about the importance of living a heart-healthy life.
When you think about what it’s like to have a heart attack, a dramatic Hollywood-esque scene likely comes to mind: A man grabbing his left arm, clutching his chest, and collapsing onto the floor.
While this scene might ring true for men, for women, the symptoms of a heart attack are often far less dramatic — and therefore easier to dismiss as something much less serious, such as acid reflux, the flu, or simply being an overworked and overly tired woman. In fact, research suggests that women may experience symptoms for several weeks before having a heart attack.
“When you’re having a heart attack, timing is critical, and unfortunately, cardiovascular disease in women still goes under-recognized,” explains Evelina Grayver, MD, director of the Women’s Heart Program at Northwell’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health. “As a result, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for women in the United States.”
It makes sense that the heart attack symptoms a woman experiences will be different than a man’s signs. After all, our bodies are different, including our cardiovascular systems, with women having smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels. Females also have additional risk factors that men don’t need to worry about. Research shows that a history of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes may predict future risk of heart disease, while women with endometriosis are three times more likely to develop heart attack, chest pain, or require treatment for blocked arteries.
And yet the diagnosis and treatment of women with heart disease remains the same as men. With that in mind, Grayver notes that female patients need to be better educated about the signs of a heart attack so they can better advocate for themselves when in the doctor’s office or emergency room.
Here are the warning signs of a heart attack that women need to watch out for:
1. Chest Discomfort
While men often report feeling intense chest pain before or during a heart attack, women tend to experience more of a discomfort or tightening in the center or left side of the chest area. Data shows that 40 percent of women who have heart attacks reported experiencing symptoms similar to heartburn or indigestion shortly before their heart attacks.
“Many women also report feeling like their bra is on too tight,” explains Grayver. “They’ll describe it more as being uncomfortable, but not painful.”
2. Radiated Pain
The discomfort is often accompanied by a particular pain that starts in the chest and radiates to one or both arms and up to the shoulders and jaw, particularly on the left side. The pain can be gradual or sudden, and it may increase or decrease before becoming intense.
3. Shortness of Breath
The heart and lungs work closely together, so female patients can experience difficulty breathing during a heart attack, either with or without chest discomfort. The shortness of breath can come out of the blue and disappear just as quickly — and you don’t even need to be exerting yourself when it happens. “It often gets worse in the days leading up to a heart attack and can get so bad that you’ll have difficulty walking down the block,” says Grayver.
4. Gastro Upset
Digestive issues such as nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting can be passed off as a stomach bug but may be a precursor for a heart attack. If your symptoms don’t subside after rest, or if they get worse, that’s a sign that something more serious could be going on.
5. Cold Sweat
Breaking out in a cold and clammy sweat is another common heart attack symptom for women. It will feel different than sweating after a workout or being outside in the heat.
6. Anxiety
Some patients report feeling overly anxious for no reason. This happens because when the heart is weakened by a lack of oxygen, the body responds by releasing adrenaline. This causes a rapid heartbeat, palpitations, fast breathing, and heightened anxiety.
7. Lightheadedness
Dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting can happen during a heart attack because the heart can’t provide the brain with enough oxygenated blood.
8. Extreme Fatigue
We’re all tired, but if you’re having difficulty getting out of bed (or can’t get out at all), this could be a sign of a heart attack. Some women report feeling exhausted even when they’re sitting still and are unable to work up the strength to even walk into another room in their house.
How to Prevent a Heart Attack
Grayver notes that all women need to take their heart health seriously. “There’s this belief that only older people have heart attacks, but that’s simply not true,” she says.
And while your primary care physician might order an EKG in their office, Grayver warns that it’s not an accurate report of how your heart is working because you’re in a relaxed state during the test. Additional exams, such as a stress test and an echocardiogram, give better insight into your overall heart health.
Therefore, Grayver suggests that all women see their cardiologist every year for a full screening, in addition to their annual checkup. This is especially important for women who are planning to conceive as pregnancy can put a lot of stress on the heart.
And if you do experience any symptoms that are atypical or cause concern, don’t hesitate to go the emergency room. Some women will put off seeing a doctor because they don’t want to look crazy if it turns out to be nothing. Grayver points out it’s a problem that men don’t seem to have — and one that could cost a woman her life. “Healthcare providers would much rather you come in than wait it out,” she says. Being proactive can save your life.
Next Steps and Useful Resources
- Health screenings that women shouldn’t ignore.
- Learn more about the Katz Institute for Women’s Health.
- Mental health and heart health are often connected.
Linda DiProperzio is a lead digital channel strategist for Northwell Health. This article was originally published on The Well by Northwell and has been republished with permission.