warning signs for a heart attack:
- an abrupt change in how you feel
- atypical pain, discomfort, pressure, heaviness, burning, tightness or fullness in the chest, left or right arms, upper back, shoulder, neck, throat, jaw or stomach
- weakness, fainting, light-headedness, or extreme and unusual fatigue
- shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- restlessness, insomnia or anxiety
- bluish colour or numbness in lips, hands or feet
- nausea, vomiting
- clammy sweats
- a sense of impending doom
An Oregon study found that up to 95% of women experience early warning signals (prodromal symptoms) weeks or even months leading up to their cardiac event.
Not all of these signs occur in every heart attack. Pay attention if these signs come on suddenly or feel unusual for you. Sometimes they go away and then return. They may come on with exertion or when you’re at rest. Women typically wait longer than men to call for help. Find out why.
LISTEN to your body. DON’T IGNORE symptoms. GET HELP fast.
If you are experiencing some of these symptoms:
- immediately call 911and say: “I think I’m having a heart attack!“
- chew one full-strength uncoated aspirin tablet while you’re waiting for the ambulance
- unless absolutely unavoidable, do not drive yourself to the hospital – and do not let anybody else drive you there
Women’s College Hospital researchers in Toronto tell us that 43% of women report unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting during a heart attack – but no chest symptoms.
Women often experience other ‘non-classic’ symptoms that are not typically associated with heart attacks – symptoms that can appear weeks before the actual cardiac event. In an American study reported in the journal Circulation of 500 female heart attack survivors, women reported these symptoms weeks before their attacks:
- 70% reported severe, unexplained fatigue
- 48% had sleep disturbances
- Slightly fewer than half had shortness of breath, indigestion and anxiety
- Almost half had no chest symptoms
During the attack:
- 50% had shortness of breath and weakness
- 50% had extreme fatigue, cold sweats and dizziness
Despite these findings, the Heart & Stroke Foundation notes that chest pain is still the most common warning sign in both sexes.
See also:
- Make the Call – Don’t Miss a Beat is a women’s heart attack symptom awareness campaign
- Learn moreabout signs and symptoms of women’s heart attacks from The Heart Truth, the Heart & Stroke Foundation’s campaign to educate women about heart disease
- Find out more about confusing heart disease terminology
If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with heart disease, you can join the online support group hosted by WomenHeart: The National Coalition For Women With Heart Disease:
Updated April 6, 2012
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