According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, heart attacks are the number one killer of women today. Most of the symptoms of heart attack are similar for both women and men. At times the signs are subtle and women tend to dismiss these symptoms, especially if the symptoms are mild. It is critical to recognize the characteristics of a heart attack in order to act quickly and get the appropriate medical care.
Chest Pain and Discomfort
Chest pain is one of the classic features of a heart attack experienced by both men and women. Men experience both chest discomfort and a strong squeezing sensation in the chest. Women's symptoms are typically less severe. Usually the feeling is an uncomfortable sensation which may even feel like indigestion or heartburn. This sensation may last a few minutes and come and go.
Pain in Other Areas
Pain and discomfort in other areas, such as the jaw, neck, shoulders and back are common symptoms of a mild heart attack. Often the pain is in the upper back between the shoulder blades. There may be pain in the upper body with no chest pain or discomfort. Men experience this symptom as well but women are more likely to have these sensations of pain in other areas of the body.
Nausea
A queasy sensation is often experienced in the stomach and some may even vomit. Often the thought is that something disagreeable was consumed and consequently this symptom is ignored.
Shortness of Breath
According to Medline Plus, breathlessness may occur because the heart is not able to pump sufficient oxygen to the body. The major organs then have an insufficient supply of oxygen which causes shortness of breath.
Fatigue
Crushing fatigue may be a sign that a heart attack is impending or taking place. According to Dr. Jean McSweeney, a professor with the University of Arkansas, this fatigue is different from just feeling tired. It can be so severe as to prevent women from taking care of simple household chores. Often, they feel this way a month or so before the attack. Women may likely ignore this symptom because they attribute their fatigue to getting older or to the tiredness that comes from daily activity.
Lightheaded or Dizzy
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded often goes hand in hand with the other symptoms of a heart attack. Typically this occurs because there is not enough blood flowing to the brain. Merck Manuals states that blood flow to the brain may be insufficient due to abnormalities in the rhythm of the heart.
Sweating
Women may break out in a cold sweat for not apparent reason. Sweating is common for men as well. This symptom comes on suddenly with no warning.
Anxiety
Some individuals may feel a sense of anxiety and panic. Often there is a feeling of doom that occurs some time before the actual attack.
