Angina is a serious medical condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. The American Heart Association notes that more than 8 million women are living with angina in the United States. Women with underlying cardiac conditions like coronary heart disease are at increased risk of developing angina. Angina symptoms often resemble those of a heart attack and may come on suddenly with exertion. While both men and women have similar angina symptoms, women may experience some angina symptoms differently.
Pain or Discomfort
Brigham and Women's Hospital advises that women may feel a variety of chest pain or discomfort symptoms with angina. Angina-related chest pain often comes on suddenly with physical exertion or emotional stress. A woman may feel pressure, squeezing or a throbbing sensation behind her breastbone with angina. Discomfort may radiate to her upper back, arms, shoulders, neck or jaw. Angina-related chest discomfort is usually relieved with rest and does not worsen. Pain that remains constant with rest or becomes worse over time may indicate more serious heart trouble.
Indigestion
A woman may feel the sudden onset of indigestion, or an upset stomach, during an angina episode. She may feel the sensation of burning in the throat or have a bitter taste in the mouth, similar to symptoms caused by heartburn. Women are more likely to have these symptoms if a meal was eaten, according to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Additional Symptoms
Women may experience shortness of breath with angina. Taking a deep breath may be difficult, and she may feel like her lungs are constricted. The Mayo Clinic advises that women are more likely to experience shortness of breath than men. Women also tend to experience feelings of nausea or the feeling of needing to vomit during angina. Anxiety and sweating may also occur.
Warning Signs
Not all angina symptoms are created equally. The Mayo Clinic warns that a woman who experiences angina symptoms that do not go away with rest, have changed from her usual or expected pattern of angina-related symptoms, or are not helped with angina medications may be at risk for a heart attack. Chest pain or discomfort that comes on suddenly and lasts longer than 30 minutes may not be related to typical angina, as well. Medical treatment should be sought for concerning symptoms to prevent health complications.
