Women’s Heart Attacks Symptoms Can Differ from Men’s: Know the Signs

Heart disease and heart attacks are the number one global killer of both men and women. But women often experience symptoms other than the classic crushing chest pain and left arm pain that typically afflict men having heart attacks.

For example, women are more likely to experience pain between the shoulder blades, abdominal pain, and nausea. In some situations, a failure to identify the unique symptoms women experience can lead to delays in seeking treatment.

If you’re a woman, here are the most common heart attack symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort.This is the most common symptom for both men and women, but some women may experience a sense of squeezing or fullness, and the pain can be anywhere in the chest, not just on the left side.
• Pain in the arm(s), back, neck, or jaw.This type of pain is more common in women than in men. The pain can be gradual or sudden, and it may increase or decrease before becoming intense.
• Stomach pain.This is a signal of a heart attack that is often mistaken for heartburn, indigestion or a stomach ulcer. Other times, women experience severe abdominal pressure. This is where it’s best to be on the safe side and call 911.
• Shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness.If you’re having trouble breathing for no apparent reason, you could be having a heart attack, especially if you’re also having one or more symptoms. More women than men experience this aspect of a heart attack.
• Cold sweat.This is another heart attack symptom more common in women having a heart attack. It may feel like stress-related sweating.
• Some women who have heart attacks feel extremely tired, even if they haven’t moved much. You may feel the tiredness in your chest.

Learn more: https://www.health.mil/News/Articles/2022/02/11/Womens-Heart-Attacks-Symptoms-Can-Differ-from-Mens-Know-the-Signs?utm_medium=govdelivery&utm_source=email