It’s common knowledge that women and men might experience different symptoms during a heart attack. However, it’s important to know each of these signs. Catching a symptom early can prevent damage to the heart and even death. If you are worried you might be experiencing a cardiac event, call 911 immediately or seek professional medical care.
Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms
- Chest pain and discomfort. Chest pain is the most common symptom in a heart attack for men and women. Many women experience it differently and describe the pain as squeezing or fullness in their chest on all sides. While men experience pain in their left arm, it’s more common for women to feel the pain in their entire chest.
- Pain in the arms, neck, back, and jaw. This is a symptom that presents more frequently in women than in men. The pain may be gradual or sudden and can ebb and flow in intensity. If you experience unresolved or unexplained symptoms, consult a physician as soon as possible.
- Stomach or belly pain. Abdominal pain presents very often in women. It may feel like heartburn, the flu, or an ulcer. Be sure to see a cardiologist at least once a year to be screened for heart health in order to catch tricky symptoms.
- Uncontrolled sweating. Do you find yourself sweating more than normal? It may seem like stress related perspiration but it’s important to get it checked out especially if it cannot be attributed to menopause or other hormonal changes.
- Unrelenting fatigue. Women are likely to feel extremely tired despite adequate rest. Tiredness in the chest from simple activities like a walk to the car from your house is a major sign of cardiac issues.
