Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms in Women: A Comprehensive Guide

Research demonstrates that the signs and symptoms of a female heart attack differ from those experienced by men. A great deal more has been written about male heart attack symptoms. Therefore, it is important for people to better understand female heart attack signs and symptoms.

Shortness of Breath

• Shortness of breath is a common heart attack sign in women. According to Nieca Goldberg writing in The Women's Healthy Heart Program, nearly 60 percent of women who suffer heart attacks experience that symptom.

Weakness

• More than 50 percent of women experience an unusual weakness when suffering a heart attack, according to a study reported in Circulation Journal in 2003.

Dizziness and Nausea

• Women also report dizziness and nausea when experiencing heart attacks.

Chest Pain

• Unlike males who commonly report chest pain when having heart attacks, this type of discomfort is not common among female patients.

Misdiagnosis

• Heart attacks in women oftentimes are misdiagnosed as being some sort of gastrointestinal issue.

Failure to Seek Prompt Treatment

• Because many women do not realize they are experiencing heart attacks, they fail to seek prompt medical attention.