The signs of a heart attack aren’t identical in both men and women. In fact, the most widely known and characteristic symptom of extreme chest pain is more commonly felt by males while women may not experience any at all. Because signs are less obvious, women don’t immediately go to the ER, making it much more fatal.
Your odds of surviving a heart attack improve by 23% if you get treatment within three hours and 50% if it’s within one hour. To prevent being brought to the hospital moments too late, here are seven heart attack warning signs women are most likely to miss:
- Extreme fatigue – In the days or even weeks before a heart attack, more than 70% of women experience debilitating, flulike exhaustion.
- Mild pain – Pressure or achiness can occur in the breastbone, upper back, shoulders, neck, or jaw.
- Profuse sweating – You may find yourself suddenly drenched in perspiration for no apparent reason, or your face may be pale or ashen.
- Nausea or dizziness – Prior to a heart attack, women often have indigestion or even vomit. You may also feel like you’re about to pass out.
- Breathlessness – Almost 58% of women report panting or inability to carry on a conversation because they couldn’t catch their breath.
- Sleeplessness – Nearly half of women have trouble falling asleep or wake up during the night in the weeks before a coronary.
- Anxiety – “Many women experience a sense of impending doom or fear before a heart attack,” says Dr. Legato, though experts don’t necessarily understand why.
If you experience any of these things, it’s better to get a check-up even if you aren’t sure. Trust your instincts and remember it’s better to be embarrassed than dead.
For more information on these seven heart attack signs, visit Prevention.com.