Heart Attack Symptoms in Women: Recognizing the Differences

Heart attacks can be serious, if not fatal, when symptoms are ignored. The first tell-tale sign of a heart attack is chest pain, but unlike men, women can experience other symptoms of a heart attack. A heart attack in women is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are often disregarded as those of a cold or the flu. It is important to understand and recognize the symptoms of heart attacks in women.

Chest Pain

• Chest pain is a common sign of a heart attack. While it may not start out as an intense pain, a woman may experience this pain over a matter of days, with the pain increasing over time.

Respiratory Symptoms

• A woman who is having a heart attack may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Pain/Soreness

• Pain in the jaw, back, neck, shoulder or abdomen may be an indicator of a potential heart attack. The pain does not have to be intense; it can be an achy feeling.

Cold/Flu-Like Symptoms

• Heart attacks in women can often disguise themselves as cold or flu symptoms. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can signal a heart attack when coupled with other symptoms.

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms of a heart attack that women may experience are indigestion, heartburn, excessive sweating, anxiety or the feeling that something is wrong.

Warning

• If you feel that you or a loved one may be experiencing a heart attack, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Quick medical attention may be able to minimize the damage from a heart attack.