Heart Disease in Women: Recognizing Symptoms & Risks

According to the Journal of the American Heart Association, "Diagnosing coronary heart disease (CHD) in women is challenging." The article goes on to point out that there is a lack of "consistent research" on women&'s symptoms of heart trouble. The information that is available is a general guide; nevertheless, knowing what to look for is the first step in preventing a heart attack.

Flu-Like Symptoms

• A woman may feel nausea, chills, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms up to a month prior to a heart attack.

Doom

• Unlike men, women may feel a sense of "impending doom," according to Medicine Net.

Chest

• Chest discomfort may come and go. Prior to the heart attack, the chest discomfort becomes a squeezing pain or pressure.

Pain

• Just before a heart attack, a woman may feel pain or discomfort between the shoulder blades. Pain may radiate down the left arm.

Indigestion

• Indigestion and gas pain often occur up to a month before the heart attack. Just before the heart attack, a woman may experience severe indigestion.