Women’s symptoms of heart disease can be different and often more subtle than men’s. They frequently continue activities when they feel ill, not realizing that what they’re experiencing may represent a heart condition.
It’s important to note the gender differences in risk factors and symptoms and to remember that just because a symptom is subtle, that does not mean it’s not serious.
Here are some common warning signs of heart attack in women:
- Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
- Pain that spreads to the jaw, shoulder, neck, or arms.
- Chest discomfort with light-headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
- Deep back pain right between a women’s shoulder blades
Here are some warning signs that are less common, yet just as serious:
- Unusual chest, stomach, or abdominal pain.
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and dizziness.
- Unexplained anxiety, weakness, or fatigue.
- Heart palpitations, cold sweat, or paleness.