Women's Heart Health

Since women may experience different symptoms than men, it’s even more critical to stay informed so you or a loved one get the care you need when every second matters.

Keep these key differences in mind when it comes to heart attack symptoms in women:

• Women are more likely to have pain and numbness on the right side of their chest and arms
• Women may feel completely exhausted, drained, dizzy or nauseous
• Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw
• Women may mistake stomach pain for the flu, heartburn or an ulcer

It’s also important to keep in mind the “traditional” symptoms associated with heart attacks:

• Cold sweats
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back

If you’re concerned about symptoms you or a loved one are experiencing, call 911. Heart attacks are a medical emergency and every second counts.

Physicians, nurses and cardiologists would much rather see you in the emergency department and give you a clean bill of health than see you in an exam room with heart damage from an untreated heart attack.

Recently, studies have shown that young women under age 55 are less likely to seek care for a heart attack. One study found three main obstacles to women getting immediate care:

• Women attributed symptoms to another condition, like the flu
• Women believed they were too young to have a heart attack
• Women experienced atypical symptoms that lasted more than one day

The heart attack symptoms in young women are different than in men. At AdventHealth, our team has experience identifying and diagnosing heart attacks — no matter your age or gender.

It’s important to pay attention to your body and don’t brush off concerning symptoms. If you’re not sure, contact your medical provider or call 911 right away.

We’ve all experienced moments of anxiety and even panic. Your heart starts racing. You start to sweat. You might even feel nauseated. But, how do you know if it’s an anxiety attack or something more serious, like a heart attack?

The biggest difference is often time. Chest pain and symptoms brought on by a panic attack or anxiety attack tend to improve in about 20 minutes. A heart attack will continue to get worse. During a panic attack, you’re also more likely to experience a racing heart rate, shakiness and even tingling in the hands.

If you think you’re having a panic attack, try the following steps to improve your symptoms:

• Deep breathing
• Grounding techniques
• Light exercise
• Talking to friends and family

But it’s important to seek help if you think you may be having a heart attack. Even if it’s a panic attack, a health care professional can help you find ways to manage your anxiety and work through a panic attack if it happens again.

A heart attack isn’t the only risk that can come with cardiovascular disease in women. You may also be at higher risk for stroke. Women and men diagnosed with coronary heart disease, angina or who have had a heart attack caused by atherosclerosis, may be twice as likely to have a stroke.

Remember: “Be Fast” when it comes to recognizing the signs of a stroke and getting prompt medical attention for better outcomes:

B - Balance

• Are you having trouble with balance or coordination?

E – Eyes

• Are you experiencing suddenly blurred or double vision, or loss of vision?

F – Face

• When you smile, does one or both sides of your face droop?

A – Arm Weakness

• Can you raise both arms without one drifting downward?

S – Speech

• Is your speech slurred or are you having difficulty speaking?

T – Time

• If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to call 911.