Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke in Women

Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke in Women

Women are less likely than men to experience the classic symptoms of a heart attack. Women often have more subtle symptoms, labeled as atypical (not typical), although these symptoms may be very typical in women.

Not everyone experiencing angina or a heart attack will have all of the warning signs of heart attack. The most important thing is to recognize symptoms as a possible heart attack. Getting help early can prevent lasting heart damage.

Symptoms of a heart attack include the following:

• Chest pain is the most common symptom preceding a heart attack in women. Women often describe this chest pain as a pressure, tightness or achiness in the center of the chest. Because chest pain experienced by women is often less severe than what is described by men, you should take it seriously even when your chest pain seems mild.
• Pain or discomfort lasting longer than 20 minutes in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath, even without chest pain.
• Breaking out in a cold sweat or feeling faint or woozy.
• Fast heartbeat (palpitations).
• Unusual tiredness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Problems breathing.
• Indigestion, loss of appetite or nausea.
• Anxiety.

Symptoms of a stroke include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness of face or limbs on one side
• Sudden severe headache
• Difficulty talking or understanding speech
• Unexplained dizziness
• Sudden diminished vision or loss of vision in one eye