By Deepti Kumar, MD
Reliant Medical Group Cardiology

February is American Heart Month, an ideal time to learn more about heart health. We all know a heart attack can be life-threatening. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the warning signs. In women, the warning signs are often different than they are with men. For instance, a heart attack in men often begins with chest pain. However, women often have signs of a heart attack that are unrelated to chest pain. These symptoms can often be subtle and hard to recognize. But that doesn’t mean that a dangerous heart attack isn’t occurring.

Below are some key signs of a heart attack in women (other than pressure or pain in the chest area) that everyone should know:

Shortness of Breath and Excessive Fatigue

If a physical activity that you could do easily (such as climbing stairs or vacuuming) suddenly causes you to struggle with your breathing, it can signal a serious heart problem.

Jaw, Neck and Back Pain

It may seem odd that pain in the jaw can signal a heart attack but it’s not uncommon. Pain that radiates out to the neck and back are also danger signs of a heart attack. Feeling pressure in the upper back like a rope squeezing around you can also be a sign of a heart attack in women.

Pain in the Arm or Shoulder

Men are known for having pain in their arms during a heart attack (particularly the left arm). However, women can experience pain in either arm – not just the left one. Pain in the shoulder can also be a sign of a heart attack.

Sweating

Breaking out in a cold sweat all of a sudden can be a key heart attack warning sign. Keep in mind this type of sweating is different than perspiring from exercise or being outside on a hot day.

Nausea

If you feel lightheaded or are experiencing flu-like symptoms even though you don’t have the flu, it can be a heart attack warning sign. Sometimes these symptoms occur days or weeks before a serious cardiovascular event.

Stomach Pain

If you feel stomach pain or severe abdominal pressure (like someone sitting on your stomach) it can be the sign of a heart attack. Women sometime mistake this pain for heartburn, the flu, or a stomach acid when a heart attack is actually occurring.

In the United States, heart disease causes more deaths in women than any other disease, including cancer. That’s why it’s so important to know all the heart attack warning signs. Be sure to call 911 and seek help immediately if you experience any warning signs of a heart attack.