Eight Unusual Signs of a Heart Attack Women Should Be Aware Of

While heart disease is commonly misconstrued as only significantly affecting men, it’s essential to explore the threat that it also serves for women. According to the Mayo Clinic, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women.[1] The leading cause of these heart attacks is coronary artery disease, which prevents heart muscles from accessing the blood it needs to keep pumping.[2] It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of heart attacks as they can be fatal or lead to severe, lifelong damage.

The most common symptom of heart attacks is the same for both men and women: chest pain, pressure, or discomfort. This pain may last for a few minutes or come and go. Despite men and women both experiencing this symptom, chest pain for women is likely to be less noticeable and, in some cases, may not always occur. Sometimes a heart attack will exhibit other symptoms instead, especially in women.[3] Here are eight unique heart attack symptoms women often experience.

1. Pain or discomfort in neck, jaw, upper back, or upper belly. This could especially be a sign of a heart attack if you can’t pinpoint where the pain is coming from. For example, you might experience pain but realize no specific muscles or joints hurt.[4]

2. Pain in your arm(s). Especially if you work out, it’s normal to experience some pain or discomfort in your arms, but if you can’t define a reason for your pain, this could be a sign of a heart attack.

3. Shortness of breath. The American Heart Association reported that Nieca Goldberg, MD, medical director at a women’s health center at New York University describes feeling shortness of breath, “as though you ran a marathon, but you haven't made a move.”[5] This intense shortness of breath is a red flag that a heart attack is occurring.

4. Nausea or Vomiting. If you experience nausea or vomiting on its own, it likely does not mean you are having a heart attack because this is fairly common. However, if you experience this symptom in conjunction with other significant symptoms, and it lasts for many minutes, it could signify a heart attack.

5. Sweating. Unexpected, sudden, or excessive sweating can also indicate a heart attack. While hot flashes are common for women going through menopause, when this type of sweating occurs alongside other heart-related symptoms, it is cause for concern.

6. Lightheadedness or dizziness. Similar to nausea and vomiting or sweating, lightheadedness, and dizziness on their own, it is probably not a marker of a heart attack. However, it is essential to act quickly when additional symptoms are present.

7. Unusual fatigue. Everyone experiences fatigue. We’re all exhausted after a long, busy day, but the type of fatigue that could signal a heart attack occurs at unusual times. For example, it could cause concern if you are exhausted after your regular exercise routine, going up a few steps on a staircase, making the bed, shopping, etc.[6]

8. Heartburn or indigestion. The heartburn associated with heart attacks is typically a feeling of fullness, similar to a choking sensation. This symptom, alongside others, could be a reason to seek medical help.

Due to the differences between how men and women may experience heart attacks, many women will have heart attacks or symptoms of heart disease without seeking medical attention. Worse yet, some women who do present to medical attention with some of these more atypical symptoms may go underrecognized. [7] If you experience symptoms that you suspect could be heart disease or a heart attack, it is always best to get it checked out quickly. It is essential that women take their health into their own hands, listen to their bodies, and take concerning symptoms seriously.

[1] Heart Disease in Women: Understand Symptoms and Risk Factors | MayoClinic

[2] Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery | Heart Disease | CDC

[3] Heart Disease in Women: Understand Symptoms and Risk Factors | MayoClinic

[4] 3 Heart Attack Signs Women Shouldn’t Ignore | Health Essentials | Cleveland Clinic

[5] Heart Attack Symptoms in Women | American Heart Association

[6] 3 Heart Attack Signs Women Shouldn’t Ignore | Health Essentials | Cleveland Clinic

[7] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.117.031650