The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, is the number one cause of death in women over the age of 25. However, less than 15 percent of women think they are at risk. Coronary artery disease can lead to a fatal heart attack. It is important to recognize the symptoms of heart disease that women experience.
Chest Pain
Chest pain, or angina, is one of the main signs of coronary artery disease. For women, this pain often radiates to the arm or jaw. It can also be felt in the back or neck. You may feel a heaviness, tightness, burning or discomfort instead of pain. You may first notice this pain when you exert yourself and it may resolve in several minutes. Over time, the pain may come without exertion and happen more frequently. It may be accompanied by the other symptoms. Pain in the chest may be angina or it may signal the beginning of a heart attack. Episodes of chest pain, even when they resolve, should send you to a physician to determine if you have heart disease.
Fatigue
Heart disease causes many women to feel fatigued. Often, this fatigue is overlooked or attributed to other causes. You may notice that you become tired more easily and don't volunteer for extra activities as you did in the past. Some women describe this fatigue as "overwhelming" while others recognize it only in hindsight. Physical weakness may become more apparent over time.
Depression
Many women who have heart attacks realize that they felt depressed for weeks or months beforehand. While science isn't sure which comes first--heart disease or depression--it is important to let your doctor know of your feelings of depression so that your heart status can be evaluated.
Breathing Difficulty
You may feel as though you are having difficulty breathing. It may be hard to get a deep breath and you may notice your breathing is fast or shallow. Alternatively, you may be gasping for air, as if you had run a long distance. This may cause you to feel anxious. This symptom of heart disease may also be accompanied by sweating for no apparent reason.
Nausea
Nausea is a symptom of heart disease in women, according to Cleveland Clinic. You may also notice frequent indigestion or you may vomit occasionally.
Racing Heart
If you have coronary artery disease, you may experience episodes of your heart racing or feeling as though it is pounding forcefully. This may be accompanied by difficulty breathing.
Dizziness
You may feel dizzy from time to time. This may be from blood pressure changes or it may accompany chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Insomnia
The U.S. National Library of Medicine relates that many women report that they had insomnia in the weeks or months preceding a heart attack. Insomnia can originate from many causes but, in the presence of the other heart disease warning signs listed, it should be considered serious.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Coronary Artery Disease - Symptoms
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Heart Disease and Women
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
