symptoms of heart attack in women

Common and Not-so-Common Symptoms of Heart Attack in Women

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Cardiovascular disease is the true scourge of our time. It is also one of the most common causes of death, especially among people of advanced age. Therefore, it is definitely worth filling in the gaps in knowledge on this subject! Did you know that a heart attack manifests itself differently depending on sex? Do you know what are the symptoms of heart attack in women? Do you know ways to prevent heart disease? Are you aware of how to reverse heart disease in women? If not, don’t worry, you will find out everything soon!

Heart attack in women – is it a significant issue?

More than 3.5 million women in the UK currently suffer from heart disease, and it is estimated that around 77 women die every day as a result of a heart attack. This equates to around the equivalent of 28,000 British women each year.

These figures are striking, which is why we believe that a basic knowledge of how to prevent cardiovascular disease, as well as how to quickly recognise the symptoms of heart disease in women, is essential for all of us. Here are the most common symptoms of heart disease in women, because this information could help save someone’s life!

Most common symptoms of heart disease in women

Most signs of heart disease in women are the same as those experienced by men.  However, due to the peculiarities of the endocrine system, and changes associated with menopause, some of them may occur much more frequently or be more alarming in women. In addition, signs of heart disease in women less obvious, which are often overlooked, even by doctors. Let’s first go through the most standard signs of heart disease in women and men.

signs of heart disease

The most common symptoms of heart disease in women and men

Below you will find the most common symptoms of heart disease that affect both men and women.

  • Swelling and bruising – especially in the lower extremities, may be one of the symptoms of heart failure.
  • Heart palpitations – a rapid and forceful heartbeat indicates an irregular heart rhythm.
  • Chest pain – starting near the sternum, then radiating to the shoulders, sometimes to the jaw.
  • Shortness of breath – may indicate cardiovascular insufficiency.
  • Fatigue – decreased efficiency of the body during the day, manifested by a feeling of exhaustion, may be a symptom of myocarditis and left ventricular failure, among others.

Uncommon but typical symptoms of heart disease in women

Here are some of the most common symptoms of heart disease in women that are often overlooked:

  • shortness of breath,
  • palpitations,
  • persistent headaches,
  • irritability and nervousness,
  • sleep disturbances,
  • pressure behind the sternum,
  • chronic weakness,
  • dizziness,
  • excessive sweating,
  • nausea,
  • epigastric pain.

heart attack symptoms

Heart attack symptoms

We’ve already discussed the general signs of heart disease in women, so it’s time to address heart attack symptoms. What are the most common symptoms of heart attack in women?

How does a heart attack in women differ from a heart attack in men?

Symptoms of heart attack may differ between genders, but the basic symptom is always the same – chest pain. Women, however, may have more subtle symptoms. However, this does not mean that such a heart attack is not dangerous – on the contrary, it can even lead to death.

Symptoms of a heart attack in women:

  • Chest pain,
  • Pain or pressure sensation in the lower or upper abdomen,
  • Pain in the jaw, neck, and upper back,
  • nausea or vomiting,
  • shortness of breath,
  • fainting,
  • indigestion,
  • extreme fatigue.

For comparison, here are heart attack symptoms in men:

  • nausea or vomiting,
  • shortness of breath.
  • a feeling of pressure in the chest or pain,
  • jaw, neck or back pain.

heart disease in women

How to reverse heart disease in women?

Wondering how to reverse heart disease in women? It is not easy and strongly depends on the specific situation. However, there are several ways of relieving stress and improving heart function that work well both as a means of improvement from sickness and prevention. We probably will not surprise you if we start with the basics, namely the diet. It is not a well-known fact that a proper diet has a gigantic impact on our health.

But what does it mean? Doctors agree, balanced in terms of protein, carbohydrates and fats, and definitely plant-based. They also recommend avoiding fried foods, especially deep-fried ones. Besides, there is nothing like exercise. Both for heart disease patients and as a preventative measure, moderate exercise is strongly recommended. We particularly encourage you to try yoga, Pilates, cycling and swimming.

Then there are the classics, namely avoiding alcohol and nicotine and, most importantly, staying out of stressful situations. And do not forget to keep an eye on your health and to have regular check-ups with a specialist, because without this, there is nothing to be done!

Heart disease and heart attack in women – summary

Heart disease and heart attack in women is a serious problem that is still not talked about much. It is worth knowing that some of the symptoms of heart attack in women, such as sleep problems and anxiety, are not necessarily associated with heart disease. Hence, you need to be vigilant.  React quickly and make changes to your lifestyle as soon as you notice a problem. You can save your life and the lives of your loved ones!