Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined. Signs of a heart attack in men and women are generally similar; however, women who have had heart attacks report some unconventional symptoms. Because these symptoms are not easily identifiable, many women don't realize they have had a heart attack and are treated long after bodily damage has occurred. Being able to identify the signs of having a heart attack can help a woman increase her chances of receiving timely treatment, preventing long-term damage and possibly saving her life.
Chest Pain
One of the most common signs of a heart attack is chest pain. However, the Women's Heart Foundation indicates that approximately one-third of women experience no chest pain at all, making it difficult to identify and treat the onset of a heart attack. This pain can feel like squeezing or crushing in the chest, or it can radiate out to the shoulder or arm. This pain can be episodic (coming and going over time) or it can last for multiple minutes. The pain can be crippling at times and rarely responds to intervention (such as deep breaths or massage). If you are experiencing chest pain and believe you are having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately. Try to refrain from taking any type of over-the-counter pain medication until you have sought medical attention.
Abdominal Pain
Women may also experience pain in the stomach or abdomen. Abdominal pain associated with a heart attack is a muscle cramp, similar to a menstrual cramp. Like chest pain, the pain may come and go over time and typically does not respond to intervention.
Difficulty in Breathing
Similar to men, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a common symptom. During a heart attack the heart muscles contract, minimalizing the ability for air to freely flow in and out of the lungs. Challenged breathing can sometimes cause chest pain because of the forced flow of air. Prolonged difficulty in breathing can cause lightheadedness, dizziness or feelings of faintness. Short, choppy breathing can also cause anxiety and an associated panic attack. If you feel you may be having a heart attack, try to take steady, shallow breaths and seek medical attention immediately.
Temperature Changes
Women may experience an increase in temperature with cold sweats. A cold sweat is sweating without an associated fever or rise in body temperature. Conversely, a heart attack sufferer may experience body chills with an increase in temperature.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and even vomiting are common symptoms for women. These symptoms can occur independently or as a result of an existing symptom such as chest or abdominal pain. Some women are more likely to experience nausea over chest pain.
Flu-Like Symptoms
A unique characteristic for a woman having a heart attack is that she may experience flulike symptoms for many weeks before having a heart attack. Because these symptoms are associated with other illnesses, some heart attacks in women go undetected for some time, increasing the likelihood of long-term damage. Because the flu is a distinct illness, it is important to take note of flu-like symptoms in conjunction with any of the symptoms mentioned above to determine the likelihood or severity of a woman having a heart attack.
