A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, can strike either sex at any age. Heart attack symptoms in women can vary from the typical male symptoms. Eat a proper diet, maintain a healthy lifestyle, have regular checkups and get plenty of exercise and sleep to protect yourself. Be familiar with the signs of heart attack in women and seek emergency medical care when needed.
Chest Pain
Pain or pressure in the center of the chest behind the breastbone is a major sign of heart attack. This pain may radiate to the left arm, back or jaw area. For women, this pain can be severe, mild or even absent.
Pain in Other Areas
"Medical-surgical Nursing" relates that women typically have pain in the back, shoulder, arm, tooth, neck or jaw area as the heart attack worsens. This pain may be described as an ache.
Difficulty Breathing
Another sign of a heart attack in women is difficulty breathing. It can cause her to attempt to take deep breaths or have lots of quick breaths.
Palpitations
A woman having a heart attack may notice her heart pounding in her chest or notice that her heart has an unusual rhythm.
Anxiety
A heart attack can give a woman a feeling of anxiety, dread, fear, impending doom or depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, it may feel like a sudden panic attack. She may be unable to sit still and wish to pace the floor or keep moving.
Sweating
Another sign of myocardial infarction is sweating. This may be mild or so profuse she finds herself changing her clothing. Her skin may be clammy and cool to the touch.
Severe Fatigue or Weakness
A woman experiencing a heart attack may feel as though she is extremely tired. She may be too weak to climb stairs or perform a normal activity.
Nausea
Nausea is another symptom of a heart attack in a female. Abdominal discomfort and heartburn or indigestion may also be present, and she may begin to vomit. It may be difficult to distinguish whether she is experiencing heart pain, severe indigestion or both. This causes many women to not seek immediate care.
Dizziness
The Mayo Clinic states that a common sign of a heart attack is dizziness or lightheadedness. This may be mild or so severe she cannot walk.
Confusion
According to "Medical-Surgical Nursing," women over 80 years of age may seem confused or disoriented when they have a heart attack. This is because the heart is not putting out blood forcefully enough, thus causing a lack of adequate oxygen to the brain.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Women and Heart Attack
- Mayo Clinic: Heart Attack Symptoms
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.
