Do you know that heart attack symptoms in women are not the same as that in a man? Yes, this is true. Unlike men, women may experience more subtle symptoms like fatigue, nausea, or back pain, which are frequently dismissed as minor issues. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed treatment, increasing the risk of severe complications. Being aware of such warning signs is the first step toward timely medical intervention and better outcomes.
Statistics reveal the grave impact of delayed recognition. Women are more likely to die after a heart attack than men, with 32.9% of women succumbing within five years of their first heart attack, compared to 15.8% of men. These numbers highlight the urgent need for awareness and proactive heart health management among women.
In this article, we shall look at the primary symptoms of heart attacks in women and their causes but also the main steps to prevent them and treat them in time.
Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women
Many people think heart attacks happen suddenly, but this doesn’t happen on every occasion. While heart attacks can be sudden, they often show warning signs beforehand. However, studies show that women often experience symptoms weeks before a heart attack.
A 2003 study of 515 women found that 80% had at least one symptom up to four weeks before their heart attack.
Here are some common warning signs women should watch out for:
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain is commonly reported by women during heart attacks. Women often describe this pain as a pressure, squeezing or tightness in the chest.
But this pain in females may not always be where it is expected. Some women may feel less pain in those regions or straining their necks, jaws or through the back. This variation can lead to misinterpretation of the symptoms, delaying crucial medical attention.
Notably, heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. In 2021, heart disease caused the deaths of 310,661 women, which is about 1 out of every 5 female deaths.
That is why, recognizing and promptly addressing chest discomfort can significantly improve outcomes for women experiencing a heart attack.
2. Shortness of Breath
Experiencing shortness of breath without exertion can be another sign of a heart attack in women. It occurs when the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood leads to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
This symptom can also be mistaken for other conditions, such as anxiety or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in smokers.
Anxiety can trigger rapid breathing, leading to feelings of breathlessness. Similarly, COPD, a lung disease often caused by smoking, results in airflow limitation and breathing difficulties.
In both cases, the sensation of breathlessness may be similar to that experienced during a heart attack, making it essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
3. Unusual Fatigue
Unusual fatigue is a symptom many women experience before a heart attack. This extreme tiredness often feels different from typical tiredness and may occur even with minimal physical activity or while resting. It can persist for days or even weeks, making it difficult for women to go about their daily routines.
Unlike regular fatigue, which might be relieved with rest, this type of exhaustion can feel overwhelming and unrelenting.
In fact, more than 70% of women who have had a heart attack say they experienced this symptom before the event. The fatigue is often described as feeling drained, with little to no energy for even basic tasks.
The symptom can sometimes be mistaken for other health conditions or stress, but it is an important warning sign that should not be ignored.
4. Upper Body Pain
Pain in the upper body can feel like an ache or discomfort in areas such as the neck, jaw, shoulders, back, or arms. This discomfort often feels unusual and may not seem connected to the heart at first glance.
For example, it may feel like a heavy weight pressing on the back or sharp pain radiating to the arms.
Sometimes, the pain appears to move between these areas, adding to the confusion. These sensations might occur without any chest discomfort, making them easy to overlook.
5. Extreme Sweating
Experiencing sudden, intense sweating without a clear cause can be a warning sign of a heart attack in women. This type of sweating, often described as a “cold sweat,” may occur even in cool environments or during rest. It’s typically accompanied by clammy skin and can be mistaken for stress or anxiety.
Notably, studies have shown that the presence of sweating alongside typical chest discomfort significantly increases the likelihood of a heart attack diagnosis. For instance, the positive predictive value for diagnosing a specific type of heart attack, STEMI, rises from approximately 23% with chest discomfort alone to over 76% when sweating is also present.
If you experience unexplained, profuse sweating, especially when combined with other symptoms such as discomfort in the chest, arm, neck, or jaw, it’s important to consider it a potential indicator of a heart attack.
6. Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting can occur during a heart attack, often making it hard to differentiate from other digestive issues.
Women might feel a queasy stomach or even throw up, sometimes confusing it with food poisoning or a stomach bug. This discomfort may happen suddenly and can appear alongside other heart attack symptoms, such as fatigue or shortness of breath.
It’s important to note that this feeling might not always be tied to something the person has eaten, but rather to the heart’s struggle to function properly.
7. Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Dizziness or lightheadedness can occur suddenly during a heart attack, often making you feel as though you’re going to faint.
This feeling may come on without warning and can be triggered even without physical activity. It might feel like the room is spinning or that you’re unsteady on your feet.
Some women report feeling faint or weak, as if their body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can make it difficult to stay balanced. This symptom can appear on its own or alongside other signs like chest pain or nausea.
8. Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances can be a warning sign before a heart attack in women. Many women report trouble sleeping in the weeks leading up to a heart attack.
In a 2003 study, nearly half of the women surveyed mentioned experiencing sleep issues during this time. These disturbances may affect the quality of rest, leading to feelings of exhaustion even after a full night of sleep.
The sleep problems often include:
- Difficulty getting to sleep
- Waking up frequently during the night
- Feeling tired despite getting enough sleep
- Experiencing restless or disturbed sleep cycles
- Having trouble falling back asleep after waking up
These sleep issues can happen without a clear reason and may be overlooked as simply stress or a busy lifestyle. However, they can signal underlying heart health problems, so it’s important to pay attention to how sleep changes in the weeks before a heart attack.
9. Indigestion or Stomach Pain
Women have reported that the pain in the stomach is a symptom of a heart attack. Such pain may be mistaken for indigestion or a burning sensation in the heart, which is why there’s a mix-up in definitions.
The pain can occur in the upper abdomen and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. It’s important to note that this symptom can occur without the typical chest pain associated with heart attacks.
On top of that, women may experience a feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach area. This sensation can be mistaken for a stomach issue, but it may actually be related to a heart attack.
The discomfort might come and go, making it harder to recognize as a heart attack symptom.
10. Anxiety
Having anxiety or a panic attack can cause a range of symptoms that are similar to those one experiences during a heart attack. The fast heart rate, feeling short of breath, feeling faint or feeling pain in the chest. Such symptoms may be painful as well as cause some confusion, especially when they occur without any explanation.
It’s important to recognize that while these sensations are linked to anxiety, they can also be associated with other health conditions. For instance, a study highlighted that women are more likely to attribute their heart attack symptoms to anxiety, potentially delaying appropriate care.
Understanding the connection between anxiety and physical symptoms is essential. Anxiety can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, leading to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension. These physiological changes can cause sensations similar to those experienced during a heart attack.
Recognizing that anxiety can manifest physically helps individuals differentiate between anxiety-related symptoms and those that may indicate a more serious health issue.
Differences Between Men and Women in Symptoms
Knowing the differences in heart attack symptoms between men and women is very important for timely diagnosis and treatment. While both genders may experience chest pain, women are more likely to report additional or alternative symptoms.
The table below outlines common heart attack symptoms and highlights how they differ between men and women:
| Symptom | Men | Women |
| Chest Pain or Discomfort | Often described as crushing or squeezing; may radiate to the left arm, neck, or jaw. | May be less intense; can occur without chest pain. |
| Shortness of Breath | Commonly experienced. | More frequently reported; may occur without chest discomfort. |
| Nausea or Vomiting | Less common. | More likely to experience; can be mistaken for gastrointestinal issues. |
| Back or Jaw Pain | Less common. | More likely to experience; can be mistaken for dental or musculoskeletal problems. |
| Fatigue | Less common. | More likely to experience; often reported as unusual or unexplained tiredness. |
| Dizziness or Lightheadedness | Less common. | More likely to experience; can be mistaken for other conditions. |
| Cold Sweats | Less common. | More likely to experience; can be mistaken for other conditions. |
These differences highlight how important it is to recognize that heart attack symptoms in women can be less obvious and may not match the typical signs seen in men. Being aware of these differences can help catch a heart attack early and lead to better results for women.
Risk Factors for Heart Attack in Women
Traditional risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, can affect everyone, regardless of gender. However, studies have shown that these factors can impact men and women differently.
On top of that, there are certain risk factors and health conditions that are specific to people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Here are other several factors that can increase a woman’s risk:
1. Diabetes
High blood sugar from diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to heart problems. Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart disease than men with the same condition.
Managing blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication can help reduce the risk of heart problems for those with diabetes.
2. Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease in women. Women who smoke have a 25% higher risk of developing coronary artery disease compared to men who smoke.
Moreover, smoking can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to plaque buildup, further increasing the risk of heart attacks.
3. Obesity
During menopause, women are more likely to become obese, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) over 30. They also tend to gain fat around their belly, which is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. In the U.S., 2 out of 3 women have obesity.
Obesity is more harmful for women than for men, with a 64% higher risk of coronary artery disease compared to 46% for men. It also nearly triples the risk of a heart attack for women.
4. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, especially the decline in estrogen levels during menopause, can increase a woman’s risk of heart disease.
Estrogen has a protective effect on the heart, and its decrease after menopause may lead to higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular issues.
5. Family History
A family history of heart disease can increase a woman’s risk of developing heart disease herself. If close relatives, such as parents or siblings, had heart disease, especially at an early age, it may indicate a higher risk.
This genetic predisposition means that women with such family histories should be more vigilant about their heart health and discuss preventive measures with their healthcare providers.
6. Pregnancy Complications
Experiencing preeclampsia during pregnancy significantly increases a woman’s risk of heart disease later in life. Studies show that women with a history of preeclampsia are two to four times more likely to develop high blood pressure and heart disease in the future.
On top of that, preeclampsia is linked to a four-fold higher risk of heart attack within a decade after delivery. Given these elevated risks, it’s crucial for women who have had preeclampsia to monitor their heart health closely.
7. Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can increase the risk of heart disease in women. These conditions can lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.
Chronic stress from anxiety or depression can also raise blood pressure and contribute to heart problems. Managing mental health through therapy, exercise, and healthy coping strategies is essential for reducing heart disease risk.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health Today
Determining the indications of heart attack in women is of utmost significance in diagnosing the disease earlier and improving the outcome. Even though pain in the chest has most of the times been the major recognized symptom, in most cases women may have other less obvious signs such as breathlessness, extreme tiredness or vomiting.
Understanding these differences helps ensure faster responses in emergency situations. Women should also be aware of risk factors such as high blood pressure and stress, and take steps to maintain heart health through a balanced lifestyle.
Awareness and prevention are key to reducing the risk of heart disease, ultimately leading to healthier and longer lives.
