In the United States, approximately 7 percent of the nearly 18 million people who have coronary heart disease are women, according to 2010 statistics provided by the American Heart Association. Coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease occurs when fatty plaques build up along the inside of a woman's arteries. These plaques narrow the arteries and make it harder for blood to reach the heart. Females who develop any of the signs of coronary artery disease for women should consult a physician as soon as possible for further evaluation and care.
Angina
Angina, or chest pain, is a common sign of coronary artery disease in women. Affected women may develop discomfort within their chest that can be characterized as tight, heavy, full, achy or numb, report medical professionals with the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms of angina can mimic those experienced by women who have heartburn. Angina can be mild to severe and may occur sporadically. Women who develop sudden or severe angina may be having a heart attack and require immediate, emergency medical attention.
Discomfort in the Upper Body
Certain women can develop upper body discomfort as a sign of coronary artery disease, regardless of whether or not angina symptoms are present. Upper body pain can extend into a woman's back, arms, neck, jaw or teeth, warn health professionals with PDRHealth. Men with this form of heart disease are less likely than women to experience symptoms of arm or jaw pain. Sensations of body discomfort may last for a few seconds or minutes before subsiding, but can recur intermittently.
Breathing Difficulties
If blood flow to the heart is slowed due to coronary artery disease, women may develop abnormally low levels of oxygen in their blood. Consequently, women can develop breathing difficulties as a sign of this form of heart disease, reports Dr. Janet M. Torpy in a January 2010 article in "The Journal of the American Medical Association." Affected women may experience shortness of breath, especially while performing physical activities. Sudden or severe breathing difficulties necessitate immediate medical intervention.
Dizziness, Nausea or Sweating
Women with coronary artery disease can experience unusual sensations of dizziness as a sign of this condition, explain health professionals with the Cleveland Clinic. Episodes of dizziness can contribute to fatigue, nausea or upset stomach in certain women. Additionally, affected women may sweat more frequently or more profusely than healthy women. A woman who loses consciousness should be seen by a medical care provider immediately.
References
- "The Journal of the American Medical Association;" Acute Coronary Syndromes; Dr. Janet M. Torpy; January 2010
- PDRHealth: Coronary Artery Disease in Women
- The Cleveland Clinic: What are the Symptoms of CAD?
- American Heart Association: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics
- University of Southern California: Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease
