Heart
What it is
is the leading cause of death for women in the US, as it is for men.1 Yet women often put down their symptoms to acid reflux, the flu or normal aging.2
Before menopause, the estrogen the ovaries make helps protect against and stroke. After menopause, much of that protection is lost. At the same time, midlife is when high cholesterol, high blood pressure and inactivity become more common, and together they raise the risk.3
Heart attack signs in women
Call emergency services right away for:2
- pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
- pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
- a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Myth: Women's heart attacks have completely different symptoms from men's.
You may have heard that women don't get chest pain. In fact, chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom for women, just as for men. But women are more likely to also have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, an upset stomach, pain in the shoulder, back or arm, anxiety, and unusual tiredness, and some describe upper back pressure like a rope being tied around them.2 Knowing both helps.
Your history matters
Pregnancy can be an early warning. People who had preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure in pregnancy or a preterm birth have a higher lifetime risk of , so tell your doctor about them, even years later.4,5
Lowering the risk
The American Heart Association recommends:2
- seeing a clinician to learn your risk
- not smoking. One year after quitting, the risk of coronary is cut by half.
- at least 150 minutes a week of moderate activity like brisk walking, or 75 of vigorous activity, plus strength training twice a week
- eating fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and limiting processed foods, added sugar, salt and alcohol
Recap
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the US.
- Estrogen helps protect the heart before menopause, and much of that protection is lost after.
- Chest pain or pressure is the most common heart attack symptom for women, but other signs include shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, lightheadedness, and back, jaw, neck or arm pain.
- Call emergency services right away for any of these signs.
- Not smoking, regular exercise and a healthy diet lower the risk.
Words to know 2
| heart attack | When blood flow to part of the heart is reduced or cut off. |
|---|---|
| heart disease | Conditions that affect the heart and its blood vessels, including those that cause heart attacks. |
Educational information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your health.