Heart disease is a major health threat for Indian women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ischaemic heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in India, accounting for 85.4 deaths per 100,000 women. In a recent study involving more than 7.24 lakh Indian women, researchers also highlighted the widespread presence of cardiovascular risk factors.
While chest pain remains the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, women may also experience less familiar warning signs, including unusual tiredness, nausea, back pain and shortness of breath.
Scroll down to know the top signs of a heart attack in women and how one can prevent it from happening.
7 Heart Attack Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore
Dear women, never ignore these 7 warning symptoms of a heart attack:
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest discomfort is the most common heart attack symptom in women. The discomfort may last for several minutes or disappear and return.
2. Shortness of Breath
Women may experience difficulty breathing during a heart attack, sometimes even without noticeable chest pain. Breathlessness may occur while walking, climbing stairs or resting. Sudden or unexplained shortness of breath, especially when accompanied by chest discomfort, sweating or dizziness, requires immediate medical attention.
3. Cold Sweats and Dizziness
Sudden cold sweating, light-headedness or a feeling of faintness may indicate a cardiovascular emergency. Some women experience dizziness or weakness without recognising that the symptoms could be related to the heart.
4. Nausea, Vomiting or Indigestion
Heart attack symptoms in women can sometimes resemble digestive problems, making them easy to overlook or mistake for acidity. Women may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, indigestion, heartburn or a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen.
These symptoms can be particularly concerning when accompanied by cold sweats, chest discomfort or shortness of breath, as they may indicate a heart attack and require immediate medical attention.
5. Tiredness or Extreme Fatigue
Sudden, unexplained tiredness can be an important warning sign. Some women report feeling unusually exhausted days before a heart attack or experiencing extreme weakness during the event.
This fatigue may feel different from ordinary tiredness after a busy day and may occur even without significant physical activity.
6. Pain in the Back, Neck, Jaw or Arms
Heart-related pain does not always remain confined to the chest. Women experiencing a heart attack may also feel discomfort or pressure in the upper or middle back, neck, jaw, shoulders or one or both arms.
7. Unexplained Weakness and Discomfort
Some women report a strong sense that something is not right before or during a heart attack. This may include unexplained anxiety, weakness, discomfort or a sudden change in how they feel.
If you experience possible heart attack symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately—even if you are unsure that it is your heart.
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