How to Spot Symptoms of Women with Angina

Symptoms for women with angina are different than for men, often leading to slower or even faulty diagnosis. Recognizing the symptoms can help women deal with the root cause of angina, coronary artery disease, sooner and hopefully avert any full blown myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Instructions

• 1

  ~ Memorize the symptoms for angina in women ~

  Women often report a stabbing, sharp, or pulsing pain in the chest or abdominal region during an angina attack. A sense of fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness may also accompany these symptoms.

• 2

  ~ Familiarize yourself with the 'standard' symptoms of angina ~

  The standard symptoms of angina are more specifically the normal male symptoms. They can also happen in women so it is good to be familiar with them. Men often experience dull and heavy pain in the center of the chest, pain radiating down the left arm, and a sense of clenching or tightening of the chest.

• 3

  ~ Note whether the symptoms occur in connection with stress, exercise, or not ~

  Some forms of angina occur completely independently of exercise and stress and therefore are easier to note. However, many victims of angina attacks write them off to exercising too hard, or pushing themselves too far in stress. Though this may be true, it does not remove the fact of the symptom. Note when the symptoms occur and how long they last.

• 4

  ~ Consult with your physician ~

  If you suspect angina attacks immediate consultation with your physician is the wise move to rule out heart attack or other life threatening symptoms and to plan treatment. If you think the attack is worse than normal, immediately call 911 and ask the operator for the best course of action given your symptoms.

  ** See more tips below on dealing with angina **