Heart Attack Symptoms for Females

Early identification of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack may decrease the level of disability that results from having a heart attack, and may reduce the chance of dying. Be prepared and learn to recognize the symptoms before it is too late.

Significance

• According to the National Center for Health Statistics, heart disease and heart attack were the leading cause of death of American women in 2005.

Symptoms

• Heart attack symptoms in females may include anxiety, breathing problems, discomfort and pain in the chest, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, sweating and dizziness.

Features

• Women are less likely to have severe pain in the chest during a heart attack compared to men, due to anatomical differences in the causes of heart attacks.

Misconceptions

• Heart attack symptoms in women are usually less distinct than those in men, and women are less likely to recognize their symptoms as those of a heart attack.

Considerations

• Symptoms of a heart attack in women such as pain in the jaw, neck or shoulders may be intermittent, which can lead to delays in treatment.

Prevention/Solution

• Recognizing the early symptoms of a heart attack and taking preventative actions such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly and controlling blood pressure can minimize the chance of having permanent damage to the heart.

Warning

• Because women may not identify their symptoms with a heart attack, they are less likely to go to the emergency room or receive treatment, which may increase the risk of disability or death.