Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in every 5 female deaths is from heart disease. It’s important for all women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heart problems.
What are the major risk factors for heart disease in women?
There are some risk factors that increase a woman’s likelihood of developing heart disease. The major risk factors include:
- High blood pressure – Also called hypertension, high blood pressure stresses the heart.
- High LDL cholesterol – LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that builds up in the arteries.
- Smoking – Smoking damages the blood vessels and makes them thicken and narrow.
- Diabetes – High blood sugar levels over time can damage the heart and blood vessels.
- Obesity and being overweight – Excess weight strains the heart.
- Physical inactivity – Lack of exercise makes the heart and arteries less flexible.
- Family history of heart disease – Genetics can play a role in cardiovascular risks.
- Age – Risk rises as women age, especially after menopause.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it’s important to be vigilant about your heart health and discuss screening with your doctor.
What are the common symptoms of heart problems in women?
Some heart problems, like heart attacks, require emergency medical treatment. That’s why it’s so important to know the common signs. The most reported heart attack symptoms in women include:
- Chest pain or discomfort – Can feel like tightness, pressure, or squeezing.
- Upper body pain – In one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, or jaw.
- Stomach pain – Light or uncomfortable Digestive discomfort.
- Shortness of breath – With or without chest pain.
- Nausea and vomiting – Along with chest pain or stomach pain.
- Lightheadedness – Along with chest pain.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat – Usually accompanied by other symptoms.
If you experience any combination of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away. Call 911!
Atypical heart attack symptoms in women
Women are more likely than men to have subtle, less obvious heart attack symptoms. Some atypical signs to watch for include:
- Unusual fatigue – Tiredness, weakness, lack of energy.
- Sleep disturbances – Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
- Anxiety – Feeling on edge, unusually stressed.
- Lightheadedness – Dizziness, feeling faint.
- Indigestion – Heartburn, stomach pain, abdominal discomfort.
Why do women often have different heart attack symptoms?
Researchers say there are a few key reasons why women can experience more subtle heart attack signs than men:
- Smaller coronary arteries – Blockages may develop more slowly.
- Hormones – Estrogen provides women heart protection before menopause.
- Neural and autonomic differences – Variations in pain perception.
- Coexisting health issues – Conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis can mask heart attack symptoms.
What heart problems can cause symptoms?
Some of the heart conditions that may produce noticeable symptoms include:
Coronary artery disease
The buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries can cause chest pain and discomfort. A heart attack occurs when an artery becomes completely blocked. Other heart problems linked to coronary artery disease include angina and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Heart failure
Also called congestive heart failure, heart failure means the heart is too weak to properly pump blood. Fluid can back up into the lungs, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.
Heart valve problems
Damaged or defective valves can disrupt blood flow. One symptom is a heart murmur (abnormal sound between beats). Other signs may include fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, and fainting.
Enlarged heart
When the muscular walls of the heart become thicker, the chambers enlarge and the heart has to work harder to pump blood. Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Aortic dissection
A tear in the aorta (the major artery from the heart) causes severe chest and upper back pain. An aortic dissection is a life-threatening emergency.
Arrhythmia
Abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias can be either too fast, too slow, or irregular. Some arrhythmias may produce no symptoms at all. More noticeable symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, pounding heartbeat, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
What tests diagnose heart problems in women?
If your doctor suspects a heart issue based on your symptoms and exam, you may need one of these diagnostic tests:
- EKG (electrocardiogram) – Records the heart’s electrical activity. Can detect heart damage, rhythm disorders, and other problems.
- Stress test – Checks how the heart functions during exercise. Can indicate coronary artery blockages limiting blood flow to the heart.
- Echocardiogram – Uses sound waves to produce images of the heart’s structure and motion. Helps identify valve problems, enlarged heart, heart failure, and other conditions.
- Chest x-ray – Images can show an enlarged heart or fluid in or around the lungs that may be linked to heart failure.
- Coronary angiogram – Contrast dye shows blockages in the coronary arteries. Often done during cardiac catheterization.
- MRI and CT scans – Advanced imaging to create 3D pictures of the heart and blood vessels.
- Blood tests – Can diagnose heart attack, anemia, infection, and other disorders that may cause heart symptoms.
What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
Major symptoms that may indicate a heart attack in progress include:
- Discomfort, tightness, heaviness, tingling, or pain in the chest, back, shoulder, arms, or jaw.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Stomach pain.
- Sweating or “cold sweat.”
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Unusual or unexplained fatigue.
If you suddenly experience any of these heart attack warning signs, call 911 or emergency medical services right away. Early treatment can help prevent damage to the heart muscle.
Heart attack warning signs in women
Women having a heart attack may have slightly different warning signs than men. Be alert for:
- Pain that moves up to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw.
- Dull or aching chest pain.
- Stomach pain.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest pain.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sweating or “cold sweat.”
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Unusual fatigue.
What should you do if you think you’re having a heart attack?
Acting fast when heart attack strikes can save your life and limit damage to your heart. Follow these steps:
- Call 911 or emergency medical help. Don’t delay! Early treatment is critical.
- Chew and swallow an aspirin, unless you are allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor never to take it.
- Take nitroglycerin if prescribed. It can help relieve chest pain.
- Begin CPR if the person loses consciousness.
- At the hospital, treatment may include clot-busting drugs and procedures to open blocked arteries.
How can women prevent heart problems?
You can lower your risk of heart disease by following these prevention tips:
- Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Reach or maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly – at least 30 minutes per day.
- Eat a nutritious diet focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein.
- Limit saturated fat, sugar, salt, red meat, and processed foods.
- Manage conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Reduce and manage stress.
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day or less.
Detecting and treating problems early is also key. Follow your doctor’s advice on heart disease screening. Tracking your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) can help spot risks.
Conclusion
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women. Know your personal risk factors and be alert for potential signs of heart problems. Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, but women are more likely than men to experience subtle, less obvious symptoms. If you have any concerns about your heart health, don’t ignore it. See your doctor for evaluation and steps you can take to protect your heart.