What are the signs of heart attack in women?

The most common heart attack symptom in women is chest pain. This can feel like pain, pressure, tightness or discomfort in the left or right side of the chest/breast area, shoulders, arms, neck, back, upper abdomen or jaw. Nausea shortness of breath Lightheadedness Confusion Fatigue. Because most women do not recognize that these could be signs of a heart attack, they, unfortunately, get less timely medical care, which often leads to worse outcomes.

Am I at risk for heart attack?

Well-known risks of heart attack include the following: Tobacco use Diabetes High blood pressure High cholesterol Obesity Menopause Family history of heart disease Lack of exercise History of auto immune diseases (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus However, there are lesser-known risk factors that are unique to women and can include history of: Irregular menstrual cycles Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy Estrogen deficiency Diabetes during pregnancy Premature menopause

What is the treatment for heart disease in women?

The good news is every woman is different! Medications and lifestyle changes are the cornerstones in heart disease management. However, depending on your heart disease type, you may need further invasive procedures and/or surgery. Of note, pregnant women with heart disease are at risk for serious complications with their heart; approximately half of these are preventable, which is why you must meet with a medical professional.

How can I prevent heart disease?

A healthcare professional guides each patient in making healthy lifestyle changes to help prevent or slow the progression of heart disease. Depending on your unique needs, recommendations may include: Blood pressure management through nutrition, exercise and/or medication Cholesterol management through nutrition, supplements and/or medication Blood sugar (diabetes) management through nutrition, exercise and/or medication Personalized exercise prescription Heart healthy eating plan Smoking cessation advice and/or treatment Weight management programs Stress management techniques

What research is being done for heart disease in women?

Currently, the Women's Ischemia Trial to Reduce Events in Non-Obstructive CAD (WARRIOR) is enrolling women. This study is being conducted to determine the best treatment for females who have heart disease without major blockages.

6 Signs of Heart Attack in Women

When it comes to heart attacks, the differences between men and women extend beyond biology. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women annually. Yet, many women remain unaware of the unique symptoms and risks that set female heart attacks apart. This gap in awareness often leads to delayed treatment and worse outcomes. Understanding these differences can be lifesaving, empowering women to recognize the warning signs and seek timely medical care.

What are the signs of a heart attack in women?

Here are some key signs of a heart attack in women that often go unnoticed:

Unusual pain locations: Pain in the arms, back, neck or jaw can indicate a heart issue, even when chest pain is absent. This pain might come and go or manifest suddenly and may even disrupt sleep. Any unexplained pain above the waist should be considered a red flag.
Shortness of breath: Feeling winded without exertion, such as struggling to breathe while sitting still, can be a precursor to a heart attack.
Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that doesn't improve with rest is another symptom that many women dismiss. This form of fatigue can make even simple tasks feel insurmountable.
Cold sweats: Breaking out in a sudden, cold sweat without physical or emotional stress can signify an underlying heart issue. Women may blame this on menopause or hormonal changes, which can lead to delays in seeking help.
Nausea or stomach discomfort: Many women may experience symptoms that mimic indigestion, such as a queasy stomach or the sensation of heavy pressure.
Confusion or lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or mentally foggy, especially when combined with other symptoms, is a sign that should not be ignored.

What is different about heart attacks in women?

While women can get significant blockages in the heart's arteries from plaque build-up like men, which can be a source of heart attack, they can also get heart attacks for other reasons.

Menopause accelerates dysfunction of these small arteries around the heart, especially in women with diabetes. The term “microvascular dysfunction” describes this process, which can lead to plaque buildup. This can cause a “silent” heart attack along with symptoms of chest pain due to a blockage in the heart.

The arteries of a woman’s heart can also repeatedly spasm, similar to a muscle cramp, which leads to less blood flow. This phenomenon can occur by itself or with microvascular dysfunction, leading to another type of heart disease commonly seen in women: ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries disease.

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary artery is a recently recognized type of heart disease largely affecting women below the age of 55. It represents 6% to 15% of heart attacks in women and is five times more likely to occur in women than men. Women who do not have traditional risk factors of heart disease are also at risk. In myocardial infarction, the heart is repeatedly injured due to a lack of blood flow despite a lack of major blockages in the arteries. Additional testing, like a PET scan or MRI, may be needed to determine the best treatment.

What are risk factors of a heart attack in women?

Well-known risks of heart attack include the following:

Tobacco use
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Obesity
Menopause
Family history of heart disease
Lack of exercise
History of auto immune diseases (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus

However, there are lesser-known risk factors that are unique to women and can include history of:

Irregular menstrual cycles
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Pre-eclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy
Estrogen deficiency
Diabetes during pregnancy
Premature menopause

When and how should you seek help for a heart attack?

Recognizing a heart attack's subtle signs is just one piece of the puzzle; taking action swiftly is the other. If you notice any unexplained or new symptoms, particularly those mentioned above, don't hesitate to contact a medical professional or call 911. Driving yourself to the hospital in distress can lead to delays in care or even accidents. It's essential to act quickly, time lost is muscle lost when it comes to heart health.

What steps can you take to safeguard your heart health?

Prevention plays a pivotal role in reducing the likelihood of heart disease. Women can take proactive steps to maintain heart health through lifestyle changes and medical consultations:

Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet enriched with whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables supports overall heart health. Reducing sodium and consuming heart-healthy fats like olive oil can further ease the strain on your heart.
Stay active: Regular exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Monitor your health: Keep a close eye on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Regular check-ups make a significant difference in detecting early signs of heart disease.
Don't ignore stress: Chronic stress can impact heart health over time. Incorporate relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or hobbies that help you de-stress.
Quit smoking: Tobacco is a major contributor to heart disease and accelerates arterial damage. Quitting is one of the best gifts you can give your heart.

For women with existing heart issues or conditions like INOCA, working closely with a cardiologist is critical. Treatments might range from lifestyle modifications and medications to advanced testing or procedures like angiography.

Women are often the caretakers of others and may downplay or dismiss their symptoms. But putting your health first isn't selfish, it's essential. By raising awareness about the unique challenges women face, we can bridge the gap in diagnosing and treating heart disease. Remember, you are your own best advocate. Know your body, trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to seek help if something feels off.

If you're ready to take charge of your heart health, the Ochsner Women's Cardiology Clinic is here to help. Led by Dr. Dominique Williams, a women's cardiologist serving patients at both Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans and Ochsner Baptist, the clinic specializes in addressing the unique cardiovascular needs of women. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier heart!