Heart attacks are caused by the blockage of one or more of your coronary arteries, and usually result from coronary artery disease, in which plaque has built up on artery walls. According to the Texas Heart Institute, heart disease is the leading killer of women. Women's heart attack symptoms differ from those of men, and as a result both heart disease and heart attacks in women are often misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment. If you think you are having a heart attack, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Unusual Fatigue and Sleeplessness
Unusual fatigue -- a feeling of exhaustion or tiredness that is not caused by physical activity -- is sometimes a preliminary symptom to a heart attack in a woman, and it can develop a month before the event. According to the Texas Heart Institute, a survey of 500 women who suffered heart attacks showed that 95 percent of them were able to pinpoint at least one new, specific symptom appearing up to a month prior to the heart attack, and 71 percent of women who had heart attacks reported feeling unusual fatigue -- in which simple acts like making a bed triggered exhaustion -- weeks before the event. Women who have suffered heart attacks also reported that they had trouble sleeping for several weeks before the incident.
Chest Pain, Discomfort or Fullness
Although chest pain is a common symptom of heart attack in men, women don't always experience this. Texas Heart Institute notes that 43 percent of women had no chest pain whatsoever with a heart attack. The women who experienced chest discomfort were more likely to describe it as pressure or a sensation of tightness. You may feel a constricted sensation behind your breastbone, which can move into your throat, arms, jaw or upper back, or you may experience an uncomfortable feeling of fullness in your chest. If you have these symptoms and they persist for more than 5 minutes, Texas Heart Institute advises seeing a doctor immediately. CardiovascularDiseases.org advises chewing an aspirin tablet as well.
Indigestion, Nausea or Vomiting
You may feel sick to your stomach, or feel as if you have indigestion. MayoClinic.com states that vomiting may also occur. Cardiovascular Diseases notes that true indigestion is generally either in the pit of your stomach, or manifests itself as a burning in the throat. In addition, the discomfort of indigestion often lessens with belching or drinking a glass of milk, and doesn't spread to your arms or back.
Dizziness
If you are having a heart attack, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, off balance or faint. Your head may feel as if it is "swimming" or spinning.
Shortness of Breath
You may feel short of breath, and may pant, gasp, or feel as if you can't get enough oxygen into your lungs during a heart attack. According to the Texas Heart Institute, more than half of the women in the survey -- 58 percent -- had this symptom during the heart attack.
