While heart attacks affect both men and women, gender plays a role in the symptoms this condition exhibits. Women are more likely to have subtle symptoms that go unnoticed or untreated for weeks.
Keep reading to learn which symptoms might indicate an impending heart attack in women.
Shortness of Breath
It’s normal to feel out of breath when engaging in physical activity. But, if this occurs with no exertion or worsens when lying down, it might be a heart attack symptom. You shouldn’t ignore shortness of breath, especially if it’s accompanied by fatigue or chest pressure.
Pressure in Upper Abdomen
Women can frequently experience a heart attack without chest pressure or pain. Instead, they might feel pressure in the upper abdominal area. The pressure ranges from light to severe, and it’s usually confused with an ulcer or heartburn.
Extreme Fatigue
Some women might feel unusually tired when doing simple activities such as making the bed. Such extreme and unjustified fatigue can be a sign of a cardiac issue.
Neck, Back, or Jaw Pain
Men typically experience chest or arm pains when suffering a heart attack. In contrast, women will feel a painful sensation in their necks, backs, or jaws. This is particularly worrying if the pain isn’t tied to a specific muscle or joint. Instead, it isn’t localized, and it worsens with physical activity.
Nausea or Vomiting
Many women dismiss their symptoms as flu. For that reason, nausea or vomiting often don’t raise any red flags, even though they can be heart attack symptoms.
Don’t Wait for Something Serious to Happen
In general, women are less likely to seek medical help when experiencing a heart attack. This might result from not being aware of the full scope of symptoms associated with this dreaded medical emergency. If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, it’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
