Recent studies show that heart attack symptoms in women can differ from men’s, often lacking chest pain. A study of 515 women found that common symptoms included unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. Nearly 80% experienced at least one symptom for over a month before their heart attack. Yet, only 65% of women would call 911 if they thought they were having one.
Key symptoms for women include:
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia, restlessness)
- Anxiety
- Dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat and clammy skin
- Jaw pain or pain spreading to the jaw
Silent heart attacks, which lack the usual symptoms, occur in about 200,000 Americans annually, causing heart damage and future risks. Symptoms may include mild chest, arm, or jaw discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, abdominal pain, or skin clamminess, especially in those with diabetes or prior heart attacks.
