Sweating. Fatigue. Nausea. Jaw pain. These are all symptoms of a possible heart attack in women.
February 28, 2024
Women tend to dismiss these symptoms as the flu, stress or simply feeling under the weather — which could put their lives in jeopardy. Patrick Hu, MD, PhD, an interventional cardiologist and Cardiology Program Medical Director at Corona Regional Medical Center, shares his insight on the underestimated risk of heart disease in women, and how women can protect themselves.
Q. Are heart attacks more dangerous for women?
In the past, heart disease was considered a disease that only affected men. Because of this misperception, women usually received less aggressive treatment for heart disease and were not referred for diagnostic tests as often. As a result, when many women were finally diagnosed, they had more advanced disease. We now know that nearly 75% of coronary heart disease cases in women can be prevented with better lifestyle choices, such as not smoking, exercising and eating a healthy diet.*
Q. Doesn’t estrogen protect women from heart disease?
Prior to menopause, estrogen does help raise “good” HDL cholesterol levels that protects women from developing certain types of heart disease. However, after menopause, estrogen levels fall, and by age 60 to 65, a woman’s risk of heart attack is approximately equal to that of a man.**
Q. Which symptoms are women more likely to experience?
Symptoms of possible heart attack in a man are intense chest pain, pain in the left arm or jaw, and difficulty breathing. Women may have some of the same symptoms, but tend not to experience the “smothering” sensation of chest pressure to the extent that men do. Instead, their pain may spread to the shoulders, neck, arms, abdomen or back. Or there may be no pain, and instead a shortness of breath, unexplained anxiety, nausea, dizziness or cold sweat. Women also experience more arrhythmias, or heart rhythm disorders, than men.
Q. What steps can women take to protect themselves?
Women need to be aware of their blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, exercise regularly and avoid smoking to decrease their risk of a heart attack. Above all, they must listen to their bodies. If something doesn’t feel right, DO NOT WAIT. Every minute matters. Call 911 immediately for emergency medical care, even if you are not sure you’re having a heart attack.
*American Heart Association
**World Heart Federation