Introduction
Women are often unaware of the signs of heart trouble, which can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Unfortunately, many of the signs of heart trouble are often ignored or overlooked by women. This article will discuss 10 signs of heart trouble that women should be aware of and take seriously. From chest pain to shortness of breath, these signs can indicate a serious problem and should not be ignored. Knowing the signs of heart trouble can help women take the necessary steps to protect their health and well-being.
10 Signs of Heart Trouble Usually Ignored by Women
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, yet many women are unaware of the signs and symptoms of heart trouble. Women often ignore the warning signs of heart trouble, which can lead to serious health complications. Here are 10 signs of heart trouble that women should not ignore.
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most common signs of heart trouble. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest. It may also be felt in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
2. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another common sign of heart trouble. It may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort. It may also be felt when you are at rest or when you are doing physical activity.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of heart trouble. It may be felt even when you are not doing any physical activity. It may also be accompanied by shortness of breath.
4. Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Lightheadedness or dizziness is another sign of heart trouble. It may be accompanied by fatigue or shortness of breath. It may also be felt when you are standing up or when you are doing physical activity.
5. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet is a sign of heart trouble. It may be accompanied by fatigue or shortness of breath. It may also be felt when you are standing up or when you are doing physical activity.
6. Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat is another sign of heart trouble. It may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort. It may also be felt when you are at rest or when you are doing physical activity.
7. Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are another sign of heart trouble. It may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort. It may also be felt when you are at rest or when you are doing physical activity.
8. Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea or vomiting is another sign of heart trouble. It may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort. It may also be felt when you are at rest or when you are doing physical activity.
9. Cold Sweats
Cold sweats are another sign of heart trouble. It may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort. It may also be felt when you are at rest or when you are doing physical activity.
10. Anxiety
Anxiety is another sign of heart trouble. It may be accompanied by chest pain or discomfort. It may also be felt when you are at rest or when you are doing physical activity.
If you experience any of these signs of heart trouble, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health complications.
Oftentimes, the symptoms of a heart attack—especially for a woman—are much more subtle than what you see on TV. “Although men and women can experience chest pressure that feels like an elephant sitting across the chest, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure,” Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director for the Joan H. Tisch Center for Women’s Health at NYU’s Langone Medical Center and an American Heart Association volunteer, tells the American Heart Association. Read on to learn about the 10 most common signs often ignored by women suffering a heart attack—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
According to the American Heart Association, “uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest,” is one of the key heart attack signs in women. “It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back,” they explain.
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms is also common. In 2012, Rosie O’Donnell suffered a heart attack, and noted arm pain as one of her symptoms. On her Rosie Blog she detailed what happened after she helped an “enormous” woman out of a car. “A few hours later my body hurt, I had an ache in my chest both my arms were sore, everything felt bruised,” she revealed.
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Back pain can be one of the key signs a woman is having a heart attack. The pain associated with heart attack can be described as upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them, Goldberg said.
Stomach pain can also occur during a heart attack. If you do experience any of these types of pain, you shouldn’t overlook it. “Many women I see take an aspirin if they think they are having a heart attack and never call 911,” Goldberg said. “But if they think about taking an aspirin for their heart attack, they should also call 911.”
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Shortness of breath, “with or without chest discomfort,” can also be a signal. You could feel so short of breath, “as though you ran a marathon, but you haven’t made a move,” Goldberg said.
Per the Mayo Clinic, nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain can all be signs of heartburn. Many women write these heart attack-related symptoms off as acid reflux.
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According to Goldberg, dizziness, lightheadedness or actually fainting are other symptoms to look for.
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Cleveland Clinic cardiologist Leslie Cho, MD notes that fatigue—especially new or dramatic—can be a sign of heart attack. She suggests looking out for the following signs:
You are suddenly worn out after your typical exercise routine, you aren’t exerting yourself, but have fatigue or a “heavy” chest, simple activity like making the bed, walking to the bathroom or shopping makes you excessively tired, or, although you feel exceptionally tired, you also experience sleep disturbance.
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Dr. Cho adds that “stress” sweat (cold, clammy feeling) when there is no real cause for stress or “sweating or shortness of breath accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue,” are also signs to look out for.
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Some people may also experience pain in their neck or jaw. Dr. Cho notes that you may feel pain that is specific to the left, lower side of the jaw. “Learn the signs for heart attack, and remember: Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out,” says the American Heart Association. “Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives – maybe your own. Call 911 if you experience heart attack warning signs. Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.” And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.