Hidden Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Poor Sleep? Heartburn?
It Might Be a Sign of Something More Serious
Surprising Symptoms
You know the classic Hollywood image of a heart attack: A man clutches his chest and falls to the ground. But a heart attack typically looks far subtler in a woman, with a constellation of symptoms — including fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, sudden dizziness, and troubled sleep — that develop over hours, days, or even weeks. It’s tempting to write off these signs as “nothing, really,” but the more of them you have, the more likely you’re suffering a heart attack. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Plagued by Fatigue?
Fatigue is a common complaint, and one that may indicate you’re missing out on sleep, fighting a virus, overextending yourself, or experiencing a side effect due to medication. Unusual or extreme fatigue, however, may also be an early heart attack symptom or a warning sign of heart disease. In one study, more than 70% of the women surveyed experienced marked fatigue in the days or weeks prior to their heart attacks.
Troubled Sleep
It’s not unusual to feel tired due to lack of sleep or a demanding week or month, but take notice of any unusual or prolonged disturbance in your sleep patterns. A recent study revealed that almost half of the women who had recently suffered a heart attack also experienced sleep disturbances in the days or weeks leading up to their attacks.
Shortness of Breath
Having trouble taking a deep breath but don’t think you have asthma? Unexplained, severe shortness of breath during normal daily activities is one of the most common early heart attack symptoms in women, as is coughing.
Heartburn and Indigestion
When it comes to heartburn, a rich meal isn’t always to blame. Nearly 40% of women who have had a heart attack say they experienced heartburn or indigestion shortly before the attack.
Nausea and Vomiting
Heart attack symptoms in women may also include unexplained nausea or vomiting. Women are twice as likely as men to experience gastrointestinal problems when having a heart attack.
Interesting Stuff, Eh?! Jax
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