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Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

A heart attack occurs when blood flow that takes oxygen to the heart is severely reduced or stopped. It can happen when the arteries to the heart become narrow from fat, cholesterol, or other substance build up on the artery wall. 

The most common heart attack symptom for women is the same as men – an uncomfortable fullness, squeezing, or pressure in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or comes and goes. However, women are more likely to have other symptoms that can be subtle and unrelated to chest pain, including:

• Pain in one or both arms
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Extreme fatigue

Often, these symptoms can be misconstrued as the flu, indigestion, or another minor illness. Even if the signs are subtle, however, the consequences can be serious and life-threatening.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, call 911 and get to a hospital immediately.