Don’t Ignore These: Common Symptoms Women Experience During a Heart Attack

Don’t Ignore These: Common Symptoms Women Experience During a Heart Attack

When most people think of heart attacks, they picture a sudden, crushing pain in the chest. But did you know that women often experience different symptoms than men? In fact, many women don’t realize they’re having a heart attack until it’s too late. Here are some common symptoms that women experience during a heart attack that should never be ignored.

Chest Pain or Pressure

While women are less likely to experience chest pain during a heart attack than men, it’s still a common symptom. Instead of a crushing pain in the center of the chest, women may feel a dull, heavy sensation, or a tightness that spreads to the neck, jaw, shoulder, or back. Chest pain may also be accompanied by a feeling of indigestion or heartburn.

Shortness of Breath

Feeling short of breath, even when you’re not exerting yourself, is a common symptom of a heart attack in women. You may feel like you can’t catch your breath, or like you’re suffocating. This symptom can also be accompanied by other signs of distress, such as wheezing or coughing.

Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are often early signs of a heart attack in women. You may feel nauseous or queasy, or you may actually vomit. This symptom is often mistaken for a stomach virus or food poisoning, but if it’s accompanied by any other heart attack symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.

Fatigue or Weakness

Feeling unusually tired or weak, even if you haven’t been exerting yourself, can be a sign of a heart attack in women. You may feel like you can’t keep your eyes open, or like you’re just too weak to get out of bed. This symptom is often mistaken for a sign of aging, but if it’s accompanied by any other heart attack symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.

Lightheadedness or Dizziness

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is a common symptom of a heart attack in women. You may feel like you’re going to faint, or like the room is spinning. This symptom can also be accompanied by a feeling of unsteadiness or loss of balance.

Conclusion

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and heart attacks are a major contributor to that statistic. If you experience any of these symptoms, even if you’re not sure whether it’s a heart attack or not, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. The earlier you get treatment, the better your chances of recovery. And remember, heart attacks can happen to anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle, so be aware of the symptoms and take care of your heart.