Heart Attack Symptoms in Women: Recognizing the Signs

Unlike men, about a third of women do not have chest pains as a heart attack symptom. Women do experience symptoms, though, and knowing what the symptoms are could save lives.

Flu-like Symptoms

• A month prior to the heart attack, a woman may have flu-like symptoms such as nausea, clamminess, cold sweats or indigestion.

Shortness of Breath

• Women may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This can occur a month before the heart attack and become severe close to the impending heart attack.

Pain

• Just before the heart attack, pain usually occurs in the upper back, shoulders, left arm, neck and jaw. Pain in the jaw line may be intense.

Chest Tightness

• Chest pain may not be noticeable because it may not feel like pain. It may be tightness or squeezing sensation in the chest. Some refer to it as heaviness.

Impending Warnings

• Chest pain, pain radiating to the left arm and shoulder, shortness of breath, severe indigestion, nausea and heart palpitations are strong indications of an impending heart attack.