Heart attack symptoms in women: Unusual signs women often miss that delay diagnosis and treatment

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States of America suffers from a heart attack. Even though heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the US, according to the American Heart Association, women often mistake the symptoms for less serious conditions, such as acid reflux or the flu. Many women fail to recognize the signs of a heart attack, often because their symptoms differ significantly from the classic chest pain. A heart attack is a medical emergency, and understanding the signs is crucial for treatment and to avoid severe complications or death. Here are unusual signs of a heart attack in women that should not be dismissed.

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Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack. However, some women may experience it differently from men. This may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain, according to the AHA. This pain may be in the center of your chest, and not necessarily on the left side.

Another trademark symptom of a heart attack in women is pain or discomfort in the upper body. Women may experience gradual or sudden pain in one arm or both, as well as in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. If a heart attack happens in your sleep, this pain will wake you up. This is quite different from the classic signs of a heart attack, and hence, the chances of it being dismissed are high.

Sometimes women experience stomach pain before having a heart attack. This is often mistaken for heartburn, the flu, or other gut issues. The pain may radiate and feel like severe pressure in the abdominal area. Some patients describe it as an elephant sitting on the stomach.

Shortness of breath, aka breathlessness, is another warning sign of a heart attack that is often overlooked. It can occur with or without chest pain. If you experience difficulty breathing, or feel winded, or have an inability to catch your breath, it is important to call for help. These signs are usually dismissed as anxiety, fatigue, or a respiratory issue. But it could mean more.

Yes, breaking out in a nervous, cold sweat is a common sign of a heart attack in women. People often dismiss this as perspiration from exercising or exhaustion. However, this sign should not be dismissed. If the cold sweat is accompanied by nausea and lightheadedness, call emergency medical services immediately.