The clutching of one’s chest writhing in pain is what we tend to associate with a heart attack and for good reason.  Chest pain is one of the most common hallmark signs signifying a heart attack but for women, the typically described feeling of “an elephant sitting on my chest” often doesn’t apply. In fact, women may or may not have a feeling of tightness or pain in the chest at all.  Instead, their warning signs of a heart attack can be much different from a man’s which is why women need to heed the subtle signals her heart may be sending.

Here are 4 symptoms a woman should watch for indicating she might be having a heart attack.  Keep in mind, each woman is unique and not every woman will get all of these symptoms.  But if a woman has one or more of these signs of a possible heart attack, she should call 911 immediately. 

1. Unusual fatigue

Each of us gets fatigued at times and especially women. From taking care of a family, running a household, working outside the home and caring for aging parents, it is completely understandable if a woman feels tired. 

But if the fatigue is new or particularly pronounced, a woman should pay attention to it.  Watch out for:

·      Feeling worn out after a typical exercise routine

·      Having a feeling of fatigue or a “heavy” chest without exertion

·      Feeling excessively tired after simple activities such as making the bed, walking to the bathroom or shopping.

·      Any woman who still has sleep disturbances even though feeling exceptionally wore out.

2. Sweating or shortness of breath

It is not uncommon for a woman or even a man, to experience shortness of breath due to lack of exercise or gaining weight.  Finding oneself drenched in sweat could be due to hot flashes which are a common complaint many women will have during menopause.  But a heart problem could be the culprit if sweating and shortness of breath happen in certain situations:

·      Sudden sweating or shortness of breath without exertion

·      Having breathlessness that continues to worsen over time after exertion

·      When lying down, having shortness of breath that becomes worse but improves if sitting propped up.

·      Developing a cold, clammy feeling or “stress” sweat for no real reason for stress.

·      Sweating or shortness of breath along with other symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue.

3. Neck, jaw, or back pain

If the heart is having problems, it can trigger nerves that cause pain in other areas besides the heart.  Women may have pain in their jaw, back or arms signifying a heart condition especially if the origin is hard to pinpoint.  Notice that if the discomfort becomes worse upon exertion and stops when exertion ends, it should be checked out.  Here are other warning signs to look for:

·      Women can have pain in either arm – not just the left like many men do.

·      Pain in the lower or upper back often starts in the chest and spreads to these areas.

·      The pain is sudden and not due to physical exertion and can be significant enough to wake one up during the night.

·      The pain can be gradual or sudden and may wax and wane before becoming more intense

·      Any unexplained or not typical symptoms in any part of the body above the waist should be checked out by a doctor.

4. Stomach pain or nausea

Who would guess that having stomach pain or nausea may be connected to their heart?  Feelings of acid reflux or the stomach flu could actually be clues to an imminent heart attack.  Flu-like symptoms or having stomach regurgitation often are reported weeks and days before a heart attack occurs. 

Listen to your heart

Anytime a woman is not feeling normal or is experiencing any of the above symptoms, go to the local emergency room or call 911 immediately.  The sooner a woman gets medical help, the less damage that can be avoided to the heart.  Women tend to have very strong intuitions and should always listen to it if they have the feeling they could be having a heart attack.