Heart attack symptoms in women: Signs you should not ignore

Why are heart attacks different in women?

Heart attack symptoms in women can be very different from those experienced by men. While men usually present the classic chest pain, women may have more subtle symptoms that are often confused with other conditions.

Classic symptoms that women CAN present:

• Chest pain: Although less common, it may present as pressure, tightness or burning sensation
• Radiating pain: To the left arm, neck, jaw or back
• Difficulty breathing: Especially if it appears suddenly

UNIQUE symptoms that women experience more:

• Extreme and unexplained fatigue: That appears days or weeks before the heart attack
• Nausea and vomiting: Especially if accompanied by other symptoms
• Dizziness and fainting: Feeling of faintness
• Cold sweating: Without apparent cause
• Abdominal pain: That can be confused with digestive problems
• Jaw pain: Especially on the left side
• Back pain: Between the shoulder blades

Specific risk factors in women

Hormonal factors:

• Early menopause (before age 40)
• Use of hormonal contraceptives
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes)

Specific conditions:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Depression and chronic stress
• Migraines with aura

When to seek IMMEDIATE medical help?

Specific prevention for women

Regular medical control:

• Cardiological checkups after age 40
• Monthly blood pressure control
• Annual cholesterol analysis
• Cardiovascular risk assessment

Cardioprotective lifestyle:

• Regular exercise: 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
• Mediterranean diet: Rich in omega-3, fruits and vegetables
• Stress management: Relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation
• Restorative sleep: 7-8 hours per night
• Don't smoke: Tobacco triples the risk in women