Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease and is the leading cause of death among American women and men, according to MedlinePlus. This form of heart disease occurs when the arteries that bring blood into the heart become clogged or stiff because of plaque or cholesterol buildup. These narrowed arteries are then unable to supply the heart with adequate blood and oxygen. Everyone--especially women--should be aware of the signs and symptoms of coronary artery disease.
Difficulty Breathing
Inadequate blood and oxygen supply to the heart can cause breathing difficulty symptoms in women with coronary artery disease, explains MayoClinic.com. Certain women might develop shortness of breath, which can be uncomfortable. Additionally, affected women might notice that they become fatigued more quickly or easily during physical activities.
Chest Pain
When the heart doesn't receive enough blood because of coronary artery disease, women might experience uncomfortable sensations within the chest. Women with this form of heart disease can develop a sensation of fullness, pain, squeezing or pressure within the chest, explains the National Women's Health Information Center. These sensations are collectively referred to as angina and can occur progressively over time. Chest pain symptoms might radiate into other regions of the upper body, including the jaw, back, neck or arms. Women who develop sudden or severe chest pain for any reason should seek immediate emergency medical care, as this symptom of coronary artery disease can also be a sign of a heart attack.
Fatigue and Weakness
Poor blood flow to the heart prevents the body's cells, tissues and organs from receiving the energy they need to support a woman's normal activities. In the absence of this necessary energy, women with coronary artery disease might feel unusually weak or fatigued, reports PDRHealth. Affected women might experience difficulty remaining physically active or may have trouble staying alert or focused at work or home.
Upset Stomach
Women with coronary artery disease might experience frequent upset stomach symptoms. These symptoms might include nausea or vomiting, explains Drugs.com, and can contribute to loss of appetite.
Heart Attack
In certain cases, women with coronary artery disease do not experience any signs or symptoms of the condition until the arteries that bring blood to the heart are completely blocked. When blood flow to the heart is interrupted, women with coronary artery disease might have a heart attack, warns MayoClinic.com. The symptoms of a heart attack mimic those of coronary artery disease, though they typically occur abruptly. Women who have a heart attack require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent heart muscle damage and potentially life-threatening medical complications.
