The most common heart attack symptoms in women include a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest, nausea, general discomfort, unexplained extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, discomfort in one or both arms, neck or jaw, and cold sweat.
Although heart attack symptoms in women and men are often similar, less typical signs are more common in women. A heart attack can be mistaken for less serious issues like gastritis, gas, or anxiety.
If a heart attack is suspected, seek emergency care. Even if it is not a heart attack, these symptoms may indicate a heart problem, and a cardiology evaluation is recommended to begin appropriate treatment.
How to recognize symptoms in women
The most common signs and symptoms of a heart attack in women include:
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Chest pain, discomfort, or a feeling of pressure or tightness
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Nausea and general discomfort
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Unexplained extreme fatigue
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Shortness of breath
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Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, neck, and/or jaw
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Cold sweat
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Lightheaded feeling
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Right shoulder pain
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Stomach area pain
These symptoms can appear without physical effort or strong emotions and may start while at rest.
They can occur together or separately and, in some cases, be confused with the start of a cold or a digestion problem.
Although less typical symptoms are common in women, most of the time the symptoms of a heart attack in women are the same as those that occur in men.
Online symptom test
To determine your risk for a heart attack, report your symptoms below
This test is for guidance only. It does not provide a diagnosis and does not replace an evaluation with a cardiologist or a general practitioner. Read more about the symptoms of a heart attack and the warning signs to monitor.
What to do in case of a heart attack
If a heart attack is suspected, go to the nearest emergency service or contact 911 immediately, because even mild symptoms in women can be serious and life threatening.
If the situation worsens and consciousness is lost, seek help and start chest compressions until the ambulance arrives. This action can save lives.
Even when it is not a heart attack, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pain in the chest, neck, or abdomen, especially when they worsen with exertion, may indicate heart problems. A cardiology consultation is recommended.
Early identification of heart problems and appropriate treatment, according to medical guidance, can help prevent a heart attack.
Possible causes in women
Common causes of heart attacks in women include:
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Atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fat in the artery walls
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Coronary artery spasm, a sudden contraction that can occur in the heart’s arteries in some people
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Circulating blood clots, which can arise due to abnormalities in blood clotting
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Tear in the heart’s arteries, also called spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Although these causes are more frequent in women, the possible causes of a heart attack in women are similar to those in men.
Also recommended: What Causes a Heart Attack? 9 Common Causes tuasaude.com/en/what-causes-a-heart-attackWho has a higher risk
The risk of a heart attack is higher in women over 50, in those who are sedentary and/or smoke, in the presence of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, and after menopause.
Frequent stress and use of birth control pills can also increase the risk of a heart attack.
Therefore, women with any of these risk factors should have at least one cardiology visit per year, especially after menopause.