Heart Attack Signs & Symptoms in Women

Take Heart Disease Risk Personally & Seriously: It Can Save Your Life

More and more women today are aware that heart disease is their leading killer. But many still don’t take their risk of heart disease personally and seriously.

Chest pain or discomfort has long been seen as the most common early warning sign of a heart attack.  But recent research has raised questions about whether this holds true for women.  A new study looked at the available evidence and concluded that chest pain is the most common sign of heart attack for most women.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among U.S. women.  It affects 1 in 10 females over age 18.  In light of the recent uncertainty about heart attack symptoms in women, researchers have examined 69 studies published over the past  35 years.  The studies ranged from large clinical trials to smaller studies and patient interviews.

Taken together, the studies showed that the majority of women: two-thirds to three-quarters-had chest discomfort with heart attack.  In addition, scientists found that women seem to report a wider range of symptoms than men.  These include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite and dizziness.

Although chest pain may be the most common sign of heart attack for most women, experts recommend that any new symptoms be promptly evaluated.

Heart Attack Signs: Fast Action Can Save Lives

Everyone should know these warning signs of a heart attack:

• Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Can include one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath often comes along with chest discomfort, but it also can occur before chest discomfort.
• Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.