Denton County Living Well Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 31

The Subtle Warning Signs
of a Heart Attack in Women
Courtesy Heart Center of North Texas

M

ost women, if asked, do not believe a heart
attack is the greatest health risk they face.
They would be wrong. The threat is very
real, and understanding the signs and
symptoms of heart attacks in women as well as your risk factors for cardiovascular disease can only increase your chances
of surviving a heart attack.
Did you know heart disease, also
known as cardiovascular disease, is
the leading cause of death of women,
accounting for one-third of all deaths?
Not breast cancer. Not cancer of any
kind. In fact, more women die of heart
disease than all cancers combined.
You may be surprised to learn a woman
dies every minute of every day due to
heart disease, according to the American
Heart Association. Studies show there is an
acute lack of awareness amongst women as
to the severity of heart disease and its impact
on women. And even more stunning, a 2005 study
found that 30-50% of heart attack symptoms in women go
unrecognized by paramedics and emergency personnel! Is
it really that surprising that women with no medical training
whatsoever seem to be unaware of the warning signs of
heart disease, or worse, a heart attack?
Recent empirical work suggest those numbers have improved through increased awareness within the medical
community about heart disease in women. On top of that,
awareness campaigns such as the American Heart Associations’ Go Red for Women have greatly improved awareness amongst the general population.
Sadly, half of all women still don’t believe heart disease
is a problem for them, and it’s common for women to miss
the tell-tale signs of a heart attack. Missing warning signs
can literally be the difference between life and death; between getting life-saving treatment as soon as possible or
delaying help and treatment. Below are the most important
warning signs for women to watch out for and how they
can differ from men:
Chest Pain or Discomfort – Women typically describe
chest discomfort as compared to men, who describe a sudden onset of overwhelming chest pain. Chest pain is usually described as pressure, tightness, fullness, or squeezing
in the center of the chest.

Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing – Both
men and women experience shortness of breath, another
tell-tale sign of an impending heart attack. What’s particularly important is to note if you have difficulty breathing or
shortness of breath especially without exertion.
Sudden Sweating – Sudden sweating, or breaking out in a cold sweat, is a sign of a heart
attack more prevalent in women than men.
Unusual/Overwhelming Fatigue –
Unusual or overwhelming fatigue may
also be an early heart attack symptom or a warning sign of heart disease. In one study, more than 70%
of the women surveyed experienced
marked fatigue in the days or weeks
prior to their heart attacks. Women
report overwhelming fatigue prior to
a heart attack much more than men
do.
Radiating Pain – This symptom is
common to both men and women. Men
and women should note any pain radiating to either arm or both arms, back, jaw,
or stomach. It is a misconception that pain
associated with a heart attack radiates only to
the left arm.
Sleep Disturbances – You should take special notice of
any unusual or prolonged disturbance in you sleep patterns. A recent study revealed that almost half of the women
who had recently suffered a heart attack also experienced
sleep disturbances in the days or weeks leading up to their
attacks.
Other Warning Signs – Nausea,
Lightheadedness/Fainting — Although nausea and
fainting may seem insignificant, they can be a sign of a
heart attack, so be vigilant.
Now That You Know What to Look For,
What Do You Do?
As you’ve probably realized, many of these symptoms can
be very subtle and confusing. Unfortunately, many of these
signs may be dismissed as nothing out of the ordinary.
So how do you know if your symptoms are serious? It’s
very important to stay vigilant and proactive – take note
of your typical aches and pains and your normal reactions
to foods and activities. This is so that when something is
really wrong, you may recognize it. If you experience worrisome or unusual changes in your energy level, comfort,
or sleep habits, you should discuss your concerns with your
healthcare provider, especially if you have heart disease
risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure,
diabetes, obesity, a smoking habit, or a sedentary lifestyle.

Call The Heart Center of North Texas at 940-566-2358 for more information or to schedule a visit.
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | WINTER 2015

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