Early Signs of a Heart Attack in Women

The early signs of a heart attack in women are often silent or overlooked. This is because many signs appear to be common everyday ailments that are usually associated with the common cold, lack of sleep, indigestion or anxiety. Women who are at a high risk of a heart attack (those with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or obesity) should not ignore these early warning signs.

Unusual Fatigue

• In the days or weeks before a heart attack, women may experience unusual fatigue. Sometimes doctors misdiagnose this as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Sleep Disturbances

• Many women notice that their sleep patterns become disrupted before the onset of a heart attack. This may last for days or weeks.

Shortness of Breath

• Women may experience shortness of breath, even during normal everyday activities, as an early sign of a heart attack.

Radiating Pain

• Pain can radiate during the onset of a heart attack to areas such as the back, jaw, arms, neck or stomach.

Chest Discomfort

• Chest pain or discomfort is an early sign of a heart attack; however, some women never experience any pain before or during their heart attack.