Chest pain that radiates into the arm, tightness – these are the signs many associate with a heart attack. But this is especially true for men. Acute cardiovascular disease manifests itself quite differently in women.
Heart attack is considered a male disease – and in fact they are affected regarding twice as often as women.1 However, around 20,000 women die every year from a heart attack. In addition, survivors have worse chances of recovery than men.2 It is therefore important and possibly life-saving if women have early signs of a heart attack or stroke recognize as such – the treacherous thing: The symptoms differ from those in men. FITBOOK explains what women should pay attention to.
Cardiovascular diseases in women
Researchers at the American Heart Association are concerned that women don’t seem to care enough regarding cardiovascular disease. While many on the subject breast cancer are very enlightened and take preventive care seriously, according to a study, they are often not aware that it is not only men who have to struggle with heart health problems.3
Add to that the symptoms of heart attack, and stroke heart failure in women are often different than in men. For example, heart disease in women is accompanied by a wide range of warning signs. The classic symptoms that occur in men cannot be ruled out. But there are other signs in women that are more subtle or less clear.4
Also interesting: 7 steps to a healthy heart
Heart attack symptoms in women (compared to men)
Typical symptoms in men (and also possible in women):5
- sudden, severe chest pain
- Pain radiates to other parts of the body (e.g. arms).
Women should also look out for these signs:
- nausea
- drowsiness
- Extreme tiredness
- Cold sweat
Younger women (under age 55) often experience three or more symptoms of a heart attack at the same time, including:
- jaw pain
- neck pain
- Pain in arms and/or shoulders
- back pain
- pounding heart or chest
- heartburn
Also interesting: Ireland Baldwin has cardiophobia – what’s behind it?
Stroke Symptoms in Women (Compared to Men)
Typical symptoms in men (and also possible in women):
- sagging facial features
- arm weakness
- signs of paralysis
- language difficulties
- confusion
- dizziness
Women should also look out for these signs:
- headache
- Severe mental confusion
Signs of heart failure in women (compared to men)
Typical symptoms in men (and also possible in women):
- shortness of breath
- stomach upset
- Vomit
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- mood swings
- memory disorders
Women should also look out for these signs:
Symptoms of heart valve disease in women and men
Typical symptom in men (and also possible in women):
Women should also look out for these signs:
- shortness of breath
- Declining resilience (e.g. during sports)
- physical frailty
