Heart attacks in women often present differently than in men, leading to potential misdiagnoses and delayed treatments. A study published inCirculationinvolving 515 women who experienced heart attacks found that the most frequently reported symptoms did not include chest pain. Instead, women reported unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Notably, nearly 80% of these women experienced at least one symptom for more than a month before their heart attack.WebMD

Common Heart Attack Symptoms in Women:

• Unusual Fatigue:Profound and unexplained fatigue or a sudden decrease in energy levels can be a warning sign.
• Sleep Disturbances:Insomnia, unusual restlessness, or frequent nighttime awakenings have been reported prior to heart attacks.
• Anxiety:A sense of impending doom or unexplained anxiety can occur during a heart attack.
• Lightheadedness:Feeling dizzy or faint is another symptom that may occur during a heart attack.
• Shortness of Breath:Difficulty catching your breath, with or without chest discomfort, can be indicative.
• Indigestion or Gas-like Pain:Nausea or vomiting, often mistaken for gastrointestinal issues, may signal a heart attack.
• Cold Sweats:Sudden sweating without a clear cause can accompany a heart attack.
• Jaw or Back Pain:Discomfort in areas other than the chest, such as the neck, jaw, shoulder, back, or stomach, is common.
• Chest Pressure:While chest pain is common, women may experience a squeezing, fullness, pressure, or burning sensation that may come and go.

Heart Attack Risk After Menopause:

Women over 50 experience significant physical changes, including a drop in estrogen levels during menopause. Estrogen is believed to help protect heart health; thus, after menopause, the risk of heart attack increases. Unfortunately, women who experience a heart attack are less likely to survive than men. Therefore, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about heart health post-menopause.

Silent Heart Attacks:

A silent heart attack occurs without the usual symptoms, making it particularly dangerous. Research from Duke University Medical Center estimates that as many as 200,000 Americans experience heart attacks each year without even knowing it. These events cause heart damage and increase the risk of future attacks. Silent heart attacks are more common among people with diabetes and those who have had previous heart attacks.

Symptoms of a Silent Heart Attack:

• Mild discomfort in your chest, arms, or jaw that goes away after resting.
• Shortness of breath and tiring easily.
• Sleep disturbances and increased fatigue.
• Abdominal pain or heartburn.
• Skin clamminess.

Importance of Regular Checkups:

By scheduling regular checkups and learning to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack, you can help lower your risk of severe heart damage. This proactive approach may increase your life expectancy and well-being.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.