The National Institutes of Health reports that, while a heart attack can occur suddenly, some heart attack symptoms start slowly and are not immediately recognized as being heart-related. Early warning signs of a heart attack can affect men and women differently, and can happen days before a heart attack happens. Recognizing the early warning signs of a cardiac problem and seeking immediate medical treatment increases the chance of survival from a cardiac event.
Chest Discomfort
During a heart attack, the heart is unable to function properly, causing pain and pressure inside the chest. The American Heart Association notes that most heart attacks involve some sort of chest discomfort.
Chest discomfort during a heart attack is not always localized in the middle of the chest, however. Both men and women may feel discomfort in the upper back, between the shoulder blades, in the middle of the chest, on one side of the chest or the other, or any combination of these. Different sensations can occur, such as a squeezing sensation, heaviness on the chest or a dull ache. Early feelings of discomfort may come and go but then persist, converting into constant discomfort and pain as the heart attack progresses.
Trouble Breathing
Shortness of breath commonly accompanies chest discomfort during a heart attack. Pressure builds inside the chest cavity as the heart struggles to work effectively, which can place pressure on the lungs and diaphragm. Additionally, some people may experience fluid build-up in or around the lung, which adds to breathing difficulty during a heart attack. Early breathing problems during a heart attack can present as the feeling of not being able to take a deep breath to fill the lungs. This can progress into heavy, labored, rapid breathing as heart attack symptoms become worse.
Indigestion
Feelings of nausea or heartburn can represent an early heart attack warning sign for both men and women. The Yale School of Public Health shares that women are more likely to experience pain in the stomach, nausea or indigestion during a heart attack---which are not symptoms often associated with a cardiac event---then men. Sudden indigestion, especially if accompanied by additional warning signs, should prompt immediate medical treatment.
Fatigue
Circulation of blood and oxygen slows down during a cardiac event, often resulting in fatigue. Fatigue caused by a cardiac problem can come on suddenly and become worse after even simple physical exertion such as making a bed. Women often experience fatigue more than men during a heart attack; however, for both sexes, fatigue which is unusual in its severity---especially if combined with other symptoms---can represent early cardiac problems.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Heart Attack Warning Signs
- Yale-Newhaven Hospital: Signs of Impending Heart Attacks in Women
- American Heart Association: Heart Attack, Stroke and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs
- Yale School of Public Health: Lichtman Study Finds No "Hollywood Heart Attack" Symptoms for Many Women
