Are Heart Attack Symptoms Different in Women? Learn the Signs and Risks

When we think of heart attacks, the image that often comes to mind is a person clutching their chest in severe pain. While this can be a common symptom, especially in men, heart attacks in women can manifest quite differently. Understanding these differences is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, which can save lives.

The experts at OU Health are here to help you understand heart attack risks in women and how to stay healthy. The OU Health team provides comprehensive care and support to ensure you are well-informed and proactive about your heart health.

The Reality of Women’s Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, accounting for about 1 in every 5 female deaths. In Oklahoma, the statistics are more concerning. Oklahoma has the second-highest rate of heart disease-related deaths among women in the nation, and heart disease is the number one killer of women in Oklahoma, causing more deaths than all cancers combined.

Oklahoma ranks 43rd in the nation for hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease, which is 2.5% higher than the national average.

Despite this, there is a significant gap in awareness and understanding of how heart attacks present in women compared to men. Women are more likely to experience subtle or atypical symptoms, which can often be mistaken for less serious conditions.

Be Aware of These Symptoms

While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, women are more likely to experience other symptoms that are not as widely recognized. These can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Back or jaw pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

These symptoms can be more subtle and may not be immediately associated with a heart attack, leading to delays in seeking treatment. This subtlety is a significant reason why heart attacks in women can be overlooked, making it crucial for women to be aware of these atypical symptoms and seek medical attention if something feels off.

Hormonal Influences

Hormonal changes throughout a woman's life can also impact heart health. For example, the risk of heart disease increases after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen is believed to have a protective effect on the heart, and its reduction can lead to changes in blood vessels and cholesterol levels.

Pregnancy can also pose unique risks to heart health. Conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy can increase the risk of heart disease later in life. It's important for women who have experienced these conditions to monitor their heart health closely and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.

Other Common Risk Factors

In addition to the unique risks mentioned above, women share many of the same risk factors for heart disease as men. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

However, women may also face additional challenges such as stress and depression, which can negatively impact heart health. Stress and depression significantly increase the risk of heart attacks in women by contributing to the development of heart disease and worsening recovery outcomes.

Chronic stress can also lead to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise, which further elevate heart disease risk.

Additionally, stress can cause physical changes in the body, like increased blood pressure and inflammation, which contribute to heart disease. Women are particularly affected by stress and depression, making it crucial to manage mental health to protect heart health.

Why It’s Important to Listen to Your Body

One of the most important things women can do to protect their heart health is to listen to their bodies. If something feels off, it's important to seek medical attention, even if the symptoms seem mild or unrelated to the heart. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes.

How to Protect Your Heart & When to Seek Help

There are several steps women can take to protect their heart health:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, hobbies, and social connections.
• Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar regularly.

If you experience any symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, seek medical help immediately. It's better to be cautious and get checked out than to ignore potential warning signs.

At OU Health, we understand the unique challenges women face when it comes to heart health. Our expert heart care team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to the needs of women.

Learn more about comprehensive, multidisciplinary heart care or get a second opinion by calling (405) 271-7001.