The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) warns that heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women, but that women's severe heart problems tend to occur 7 or 8 years later than those of men. Regardless of when the condition occurs, the AAFP gives a clear warning: Women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men. The reason is unknown, but it is clear that recognizing the signs of a heart attack is critical in beating the odds for survival.
Sex Differences
Heart attack symptoms may be the same in men and women, but women typically have different symptoms, according to Sister-to-Sister: The Women's Heart Health Foundation. Men generally have constant signs of distress, while women's symptoms may be present and then disappear, only to return later. The Foundation warns women to request tests for a heart attack when taken for medical assistance, because many doctors are trained to identify common signs only in male patients.
Fatigue
Women typically feel fatigue for many days or weeks as part of the heart condition. Female heart attack sufferers cite a general feeling of weakness, accompanied by heart flutters, coughing and heartburn. The fatigue may be because of a lack of appetite, according to the National Women's Health Information Center (NWHIC).
Total the Signs
Women may have symptoms similar to men, but these can occur over a period of time. The NWHIC warns that women typically have more symptoms, but that they ignore the warnings. The signs include: pain (sometimes merely discomfort) in one or both arms, shortness of breath that may or may not include chest pain, faint feelings, cold sweats, lightheadedness and strong or slight pain in the chest area or upper stomach. Nausea may also be a symptom.
General Pain
While a stabbing or cutting pain may be felt by some who experience a heart attack, women may feel pain between the shoulders or in the jaw or neck. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that the pain may feel like a burning in the chest or be felt just above the belly button. These symptoms are often ignored, because they don't conform to the traditional symptoms listed for the condition.
Anxiety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that women experiencing a heart attack may experience intense feelings of nervousness or fear. These feelings may increase headache pain and tenseness in the neck, back and arms.
Time is Critical
Because women have less chance of surviving a heart attack, time is a critical factor in finding assistance. The NWHIC states that 911 should be called no later than 5 minutes from the first symptoms to improve the chances of survival. Women should never attempt to reach help alone, but instead should call for assistance in reaching a hospital as soon as possible.
