Heart attack symptoms in women: How they differ from men and what to watch for

Heart attack symptoms in women are often different from men, and recognizing the early warning signs can save lives. (image: Pexels)

Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but did you know that their symptoms are often different in men and women and this is one of the primary reasons heart attacks appear to be more easily missed or misdiagnosed among women. While men usually experience traditional symptoms of extreme chest pain, women can exhibit vague and atypical symptoms that get confused with milder problems like an upset stomach, exhaustion, or several others.

“These changes are largely driven by biological and hormonal factors, which we believe stem from the impacts of estrogen”, says Dr Arvind Narang, Senior cardiologist and Obstetrician with Felix Healthcare, Indore.

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In women, the arteries tend to be smaller, and plaque can build up in unique shapes instead of linear, he says, which can cause different warning signs. Heart attacks in women typically occur at a later age and at a time when they have other health issues, making diagnosis even more difficult.

It is essential to appreciate these differences since it helps them stand out as a key to detect an early diagnosis and treatment. Here are seven of the most important symptoms in women and why they are different from men.

Chest discomfort, not always severe

Whereas men typically experience severe pressure or pain in the chest, women may notice a feeling of mild squeeze. Because of this subtlety, some may defer to seek medical attention.

Unusual fatigue

Extreme, inexplicable fatigue days or even weeks before a heart attack is a common complaint from women. This kind of tiredness occurs more infrequently amongst males.

Shortness of breath

Almost all women experience shortness of breath and no chest pain. It can happen while at rest or with extremely low activity and is very easy to dismiss.

Nausea or indigestion

Women are much more likely to dismiss gastrointestinal symptoms (a heart attack can feel a lot like nausea, vomiting, or even indigestion) as a problem with what they ate.

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Pain in neck, jaw, or back

Rather than radiating into the arms (typical of males), women often experience neck, jaw, upper back or shoulder discomfort, which is often misdiagnosed as muscle strain.

Sweating and dizziness

They often also appear without intense chest pain that confuses everyone around them with the actual cause being the likely cold sweats and light-headedness that are common to women.

Anxiety 

Another report from women that turns out to mimic a panic attack is a sudden sense of anxiety just prior to or during having a heart attack.

Why Are these symptoms different?

Narang says that women have different symptoms due to their smaller coronary arteries, hormonal effects, and prevalence of microvascular disease. Men often have “classic” blockage-related symptoms, while women’s symptoms are often less recognizably symptoms of blockage, as they usually involve smaller vessels.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.