Stroke and Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

You may be surprised to learn that it is extremely easy to overlook or miss the signs and symptoms of a heart attack in women because these symptoms show up in different ways in women than they do in men. This is important information for women to have!

It is essential that if any of the warning signs listed below are present, you should seek immediate medical attention. It could mean life or death, which is why I feel that it is vitally important for all women to be aware of the warning signs of a heart attack.

Symptoms of heart attacks in women

In women, almost all heart attacks start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Below are common symptoms of a heart attack in women:

Shortness of breath may occur with or without chest discomfort
Nausea and light-headedness
Flu-like symptoms, including chills and cold sweats
Heart palpitations
Chest discomfort (angina): pain, tightness or pressure in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back (this is seen less often in women than men)
Discomfort in other areas, including pain or discomfort in: one or both arms (especially the left arm), the back, between the shoulder blades, neck, jaw or stomach – this is the most common set of symptoms we see
Heartburn or indigestion
Extreme fatigue

Signs of stroke in women

Strokes are as well-known as heart attacks, but tend to come on unexpectedly. Allow me to share some of the signs and symptoms that a stroke may be occurring:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

I feel that is worth noting that in certain women, symptoms such as palpitations, chills, or faintness could actually be symptoms of perimenopause. If you happen to be experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t assume that it’s simply perimenopause. Please see your doctor immediately to rule out a heart attack. It could save your life.

Symptoms of inflammation

Heart disease often occurs together with inflammation. Monitoring any inflammation indicators you might have is a helpful way to assess your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Below are some of the symptoms to take into consideration (for more information read my articles on inflammation):