What are the signs of a heart attack in women?

The signs of a heart attack in women can look different in comparison to men. Early treatment can be the difference between life and death, so knowing and identifying these unique symptoms can protect you, and the women around you. Here, we take a closer look at the signs of a heart attack in women, what to look out for, and how to reduce your risk.

Before we explain the signs of a heart attack in women, let’s start with a refresher on what a heart attack actually is.

A heart attack – also known as a myocardial infarction – is when the heart muscle becomes deprived of oxygen. This happens when one (or more) of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart becomes blocked, or when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced (1,2). Blockages occur due to a buildup of fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits called plaques in the artery walls, causing the inside of the arteries to narrow over time. This process is called Atherosclerosis and is known to be the major cause of Coronary Heart Disease. Also, a reduction in blood flow can be caused by a blood clot. Clots can form when a plaque ruptures, and pieces of the plaque break away from the artery walls (1,2).

There are several signs of a heart attack in women that present differently from men, however, the most common symptom that is shared by both is chest pain or discomfort – also known as Angina. While this can look and feel different from person to person, it is often described as squeezing, uncomfortable pressure, or fullness in pain in the centre of the chest. This can last for several minutes, or come and go in waves (3,4,5,6).

On the other hand, not all women experience chest pain, or it’s not reported as the most noticeable symptom. In fact, more often than not the more common heart attack symptoms in women can be subtle and include:

Also, according to research, women are more likely to suffer heart attacks while resting, or even when they’re asleep in comparison to men. It is thought that emotional stress may be a contributing factor in triggering these heart attack symptoms in women (3,4,5,6).

If you experience any of the signs and symptoms listed above, it’s important to seek medical attention right away by calling 000 or visiting the nearest hospital. The sooner you receive medical treatment, the better your chances are for survival and reduced damage to the heart muscle (3,4,5,6).

While certain risk factors such as age, family history, and ethnicity cannot be changed, there are several diet and lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of heart disease.

These include:

There are several signs of a heart attack in women that are different from men such as pain in the neck, jaw, and upper back, lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, and more. Knowing and understanding these symptoms can be the difference of life and death.