Women's Heart Health
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Heart Attack Warning Signs in Women
Many people don't realize that women and men often experience heart attack differently. We tend to think of a heart attack as a dramatic, chest-clutching event. But for many women, the signs are more subtle. Some women may mistake them for symptoms of heartburn, the flu, or aging. This can be dangerous.
Heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, remains the #1 health concern for women in the U.S, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. And yet, due in part to the many myths about heart disease, and the often silent or misleading symptoms, most women still believe breast cancer is their greatest health threat.
At AtlantiCare, we’re committed to raising awareness and helping prevent heart and lung disease in women throughout our southeastern New Jersey communities. Our comprehensive services include ongoing screening and prevention programs, advanced heart imaging services, ongoing education and support and a full range of treatment options to help you get and stay heart-healthy.
For more information about women and heart disease, and to schedule a consultation, call 1-888-569-1000 or find a heart and lung specialist anytime online
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
For women, recognizing the signs of heart attack can be tricky. Vague warnings like jaw or back pain may be dismissed as stress or something less serious. Symptoms in women can also differ from the well-known signs found in men, which means they may be ignored entirely.
The common most symptoms include:
- Irregular neck, jaw, shoulder, back or abdominal discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting, cold sweating or flu-like symptoms
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Unusual or extreme fatigue or weakness
- Sense of dread and other feelings of anxiety
Around 85% of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack, so acting fast when you notice even subtle symptoms is crucial. At AtlantiCare, we’re ready to respond at a moment’s notice with two nationally certified Chest Pain Centers close to home and the area’s only 24/7/365 emergency catheterization for life-saving care.