Signs of Heart Attack in Women

A recent study says younger women have more heart attacks. Researchers are surprised to find that the rate of heart attacks has risen among those ages 35–54 and decreased among older adults, especially women.

Many people anticipate a heart attack to come on suddenly. But research says that women experience symptoms for several weeks before a heart attack.

A study from AHA journals published in 2003 of 515 women who had a heart attack, reports 80% of women had 1 symptom at least a month before their heart attack.

The most common symptom in women is the same as in men — chest pain, pressure or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes. But chest pain is not always intense or even the most observable symptom, particularly in women. Women often describe it as tightness or pressure. It is possible to have a heart attack without chest pain.

Some of the common symptoms of a heart attack in women’s:

Chest Discomfort — It is a most common sign of a heart attack. You may feel pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest if you have a blocked artery or are having a heart attack. The sensation usually lasts longer than a few minutes. It may happen when you’re doing something physical or when you’re at rest.

Pain that Spreads to the Arm — Another common heart attack symptom is pain that radiates down the left part of the body.

Dizzy or Lightheadedness — Many things can make you lose your balance. Like you didn’t have enough to eat or drink, or you stood up too fast. But if you suddenly feel unsteady and have chest discomfort or shortness of breath.

Throat or Jaw Pain — If you have pain or pressure in the centre of your chest that spreads up into your throat or jaw, it could be a sign of a heart attack.

Snoring — Loud snoring that sounds like gasping or choking can be a sign of sleep apnea. But when you stop breathing for a few moments several times at night while sleeping puts extra stress on your heart.

Sweating — Sweating for no obvious reason could signal a heart attack. But if this happens along with any of the above symptoms would be a sign of heart attack.

Swollen Legs, Feet, and Ankles — When the heart cannot pump fast enough, blood backs up in the veins and causes bloating. It can also be harder for the kidneys to remove extra water and sodium from the body, which can lead to bloating.

Irregular Heart Beat — It is usual for your heartbeat to increase when you are nervous or excited or skip or add a beat once in a while. But if you feel your heart is beating irregular for more than just a few seconds, or if it happens often, then it’s a time to consult the doctor.