Heart disease is the number one cause of death for women, yet many women do not recognize the symptoms as women and men can present symptoms of the disease differently. Heart disease can affect women differently because the size and structure of women’s hearts are different than men’s. Women are also more likely to have heart disease in the smaller arteries of the heart, and hormonal changes linked to menopause can increase women’s risk of heart disease. These differences can lead to different symptoms or even the same symptoms, like chest pain, but in different scenarios.
Symptoms of a heart attack in women include:
- Chest pain or discomfort during exercise or, more commonly for women, during rest or daily activities
- Arm, neck, or stomach pain
- Back or jaw pain
- Nausea/vomiting
- Cold sweats
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
Lifestyle is a large determinant of your heart health. Engaging in an active lifestyle and healthy habits can help reduce your risk of heart disease and a heart attack.
- Stop smoking
- Engage in about 2.5 hours (or more) of physical activity a week
- Check your cholesterol
- Control your blood pressure
- Manage your diabetes
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Manage your stress
Some great ways to incorporate physical activity into your life include going on a daily 30-minute walk, going for a bike ride, or trying an exercise class at your local recreation center. Talk to your health care provider about testing for cholesterol and controlling your blood pressure, try reducing the among of sodium and unhealthy fats in your diet, and cook at home more if possible. Lastly, find time to relax and manage your stress by watching a light-hearted movie, engaging in yoga, or enjoying a relaxing night in.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023, December 20). Women and Heart Disease. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women#How-do-symptoms-differ-for-women?
American Heart Association. (2022, December 5). Heart Attack Symptoms in Women. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack/heart-attack-symptoms-in-women
Office on Women’s Health. (2023, May 15). Disparities and the Leading Causes of Death in Women – National Women’s Health Week 2023. https://www.womenshealth.gov/node/1374
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021, October). Self-Care Tips for Heart Health Fact Sheet. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/self-care-tips-heart-health-fact-sheet
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 21). Prevent Heart Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/prevention.htm