You might think that if you ever have a heart attack, you\u2019ll just know it. Like in the movies, you\u2019ll clutch your chest, call 911, and head to the hospital right away. But that\u2019s not always the case \u2014 especially if you\u2019re a woman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. It\u2019s responsible for 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, reports the American Heart Association (AHA). The signs and symptoms women have aren\u2019t always obvious. In fact, they might not even be aware that they\u2019re having a heart attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some symptoms of a heart attack include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome heart attacks are sudden and intense. But many times, symptoms begin and then become more pronounced over time,\u201d says Suzanne Steinbaum, DO. She\u2019s a cardiologist in New York City and a volunteer medical expert for the AHA. Women may also brush off their symptoms as acid reflux, the flu, or a sign of normal aging, Dr. Steinbaum says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to know exactly what symptoms to watch for. That way, you can jump into action. Taking quick action can help save your heart \u2014 and your life. If your symptoms are subtle and you\u2019re on the fence about whether to see a doctor, err on the side of caution. This is definitely a time when it\u2019s better to be safe than sorry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Chest discomfort<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most common symptom people report. More than 85% of people have chest pain when having a heart attack, according to findings in the journal Circulation<\/em>. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, tightness, or pain that lasts more than a few minutes. It can hit fast or come on slowly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMany patients say their chest pain feels more like pressure than pain. It has been described as feeling like an elephant sitting on your chest,\u201d says Dr. Steinbaum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But chest pain isn\u2019t the only telltale sign to watch for. Some women may feel the discomfort lower in their chest than men do. They might even feel pain in the upper part of their stomach. That\u2019s why some mistakenly think it\u2019s acid reflux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Circulation<\/em> study, women were also more likely to think their chest pain was due to stress or anxiety. Sure, life can be hectic. But chest pain isn\u2019t normal. If you have chest pain, call 911.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Shortness of breath<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s one thing to feel out of breath if you\u2019re running. But do you find yourself gasping for air while walking up the stairs or taking a walk? Pay attention if you used to do routine things like these easily but now find yourself winded. Shortness of breath can be a sign of a heart attack. \u201cExercise not only is by far the best medicine \u2014 it\u2019s the barometer for knowing exactly how you feel,\u201d says Dr. Steinbaum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Nausea or vomiting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a lot of clear reasons for feeling queasy: Motion sickness, a stomach bug, food poisoning. But nausea or vomiting can also point to a heart attack. \u201cWomen may dismiss these types of symptoms, as they can be caused by issues not linked to a heart attack,\u201d says Dr. Steinbaum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not sure why you\u2019re vomiting or struck with a bout of nausea? Get in touch with your healthcare team right away. As Dr. Steinbaum says, \u201cDon\u2019t die of doubt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. New or extreme tiredness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fatigue is so common that many of us don\u2019t give it a second thought. Long workdays, too little sleep, skipping meals \u2014 the list of everyday reasons for an energy crash is long. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The red flag? When your tiredness seems out of line with what you\u2019ve felt in the past, says Leslie Cho, MD. She\u2019s a member of the American College of Cardiology\u2019s Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee in Cleveland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, maybe you often feel low energy around 3 p.m., but drinking water or eating a snack perks you up. But if you suddenly feel so exhausted you must lie down, your body \u2014 and possibly your heart \u2014 may be trying to tell you something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Pain in the back or jaw<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pain from a heart attack can travel to other parts of your body, such as down your arms or into your back, jaw, or neck. This can also feel like pressure. You may also feel this in your chest, which differs from the scenario of a lightning-bolt pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s telling if your symptoms happen when you\u2019re up and moving and then get better when you stop. That tends to point toward a heart problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. No symptoms at all<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, some people show no signs that they\u2019re having a heart attack. This is called \u201csilent ischemia,\u201d says Dr. Cho. In this case, people usually find out they had a silent heart attack while taking a test at a doctor\u2019s office. Tests include an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, or stress test. They show when the heart isn\u2019t getting enough blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resources: <\/strong>Women and heart disease: The American Heart Association<\/a>, Heart disease awareness: Cleveland Clinic<\/a>, Sex differences: Circulation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Have questions about your heart health? Connect with the Blue KC care team using the Blue KC Care Management app.<\/h3> <\/div>\n