The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that nearly twice as many women in the United States die of stroke, heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases than of all types of cancer combined. As a woman, your risk of developing a heart attack or stroke increases as you age. If you notice signs of heart attack or stroke in yourself or a loved one, seek emergency medical care.
Chest Discomfort
The most common sign of a heart attack in women is the presence of chest pain or discomfort. You may begin to experience pain within the center of your chest that lasts for several minutes. The pain may fade and come back repeatedly in some women and can be mild or severe. Certain women may feel an uncomfortable squeezing or pressure sensation within the chest prior to having a heart attack.
Upper Body Pain
Women may also experience upper body pain before having a heart attack. The pain may spread from the chest into the arms, back or neck. You may also experience pain that radiates along your jaw or down into your stomach. Some women develop nausea or vomiting as a sign of a heart attack.
Breathing Difficulties
Before having a heart attack, some women may develop breathing difficulties. Such difficulties may include shortness of breath or wheezing and can occur in the presence or absence of chest pain. Breathing difficulties may also cause some women to feel lightheaded or dizzy before having a heart attack.
Numbness
A stroke may be preceded by the sudden onset of numbness or weakness within the body or face. A woman may experience numbness within only one limb, such as the arm, or on only one side of the body. If you develop significant numbness due to a stroke, you may have difficulty walking or talking.
Confusion
Certain women who experience stroke may exhibit sudden confusion or have difficulty understanding what a doctor or friend is saying to her. A woman who has had a stroke may not remember where she is or who she is. She may have trouble maintaining her balance or performing tasks that require muscle coordination, such as touching her nose.
Vision Problems
A stroke may cause you to have sudden difficulty seeing with one or both eyes. Your vision may be blurred, or you may experience temporary blindness as a result of a stroke. If this occurs, certain women may also experience dizziness or a severe headache.
