Heart Disease Info.

Heart Disease in Women

Although heart disease is often thought of as a problem for men, more women than men die of heart disease each year. 


Heart Disease is something I know about firsthand!  At the age of 38 I suffered a heart attack.  I did have some warning signs, but because I didn't realize what they were,  they were mostly ignored (by me!).  Four months after my heart attack I had to undergo heart bypass surgery.  Today I am on disability because of my heart issues ... it's something we all need to take seriously.


One challenge is that the heart disease symptoms in women can be different from symptoms in men.  Fortunately, women can take steps to understand their unique symptoms of heart disease and to begin to reduce their risks.  So know the facts ladies!

Heart Attack Symptoms for Women


The most common heart attack symptom in women is some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But it's not always severe or even the most prominent symptom, particularly in women. Women are more likely than men to have heart attack symptoms unrelated to chest pain, such as:

• Neck, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Unusual fatigue

These symptoms are more subtle than the obvious crushing chest pain often associated with heart attacks. This may be because women tend to have blockages not only in their main arteries, but also in the smaller arteries that supply blood to the heart — a condition called small vessel heart disease or microvascular disease.


Many women tend to show up in emergency rooms after much heart damage has already occurred because their symptoms are not those typically associated with a heart attack. If you experience these symptoms or think you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately. Don't drive yourself to the emergency room unless you have no other options.


If you are concerned that you are having symptoms please talk to your doctor as soon as possible!