When a coronary heart assault strikes, it doesn't at all times really feel the identical in girls because it does in males.

Ladies don't at all times get the identical basic coronary heart assault signs as males, reminiscent of crushing chest ache that radiates down one arm. These coronary heart assault signs can actually happen in girls, however many expertise obscure and even “silent” signs that they might overlook.

These six coronary heart assault signs are widespread in girls:

1. Chest ache or discomfort. Chest ache is the commonest symptom of a coronary heart assault, however some girls might expertise it in a different way than males. It could really feel like a pinching or full feeling, and the ache might be anyplace within the chest, not simply the left facet. It's often “actually uncomfortable” throughout a coronary heart assault, says heart specialist Rita Redberg, MD, director of Ladies's Cardiovascular Providers on the College of California, San Francisco. “It seems like a vice being tightened.”
2. Ache in your arm(s), again, neck or jaw. This sort of ache is extra widespread in girls than in males. It could confuse girls who count on their ache to be targeted on their chest and left arm, and never on their again or jaw. The ache could also be gradual or sudden and should wax and wane earlier than changing into intense. In case you are sleeping, it may possibly wake you up. It’s best to report any “nontypical or unexplained” signs in any a part of your physique above your waist to your physician or different well being care supplier, says heart specialist C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, director of the Barbra Streisand Ladies's Coronary heart Heart at Cedars-Sinai Los Angeles Medical Heart.
3. Abdomen ache. Typically folks confuse abdomen ache that signifies a coronary heart assault with heartburn, flu, or an ulcer. Different occasions, girls expertise extreme belly strain that seems like an elephant sitting in your abdomen, says heart specialist Nieca Goldberg, MD, medical director of the Joan H. Tisch Heart for Ladies's Well being at NYU Langone Medical Heart in New York.
4. Shortness of breath, nauseaor dizziness. If in case you have bother respiration for no obvious motive, you would be having a coronary heart assault, particularly in case you even have a number of different signs. “It could really feel such as you've run a marathon, however you haven't taken a step,” says Goldberg.
5. To sweat. Breaking out in a nervous, chilly sweat is widespread in girls who’re having a coronary heart assault. It should really feel extra like stress-related sweating than sweating from exercising or spending time exterior within the warmth. “Get it checked” in case you don't usually sweat a lot and there's no different motive for it, reminiscent of warmth or scorching flashes, says Bairey Merz.
6. Fatigue. Some girls having a coronary heart assault really feel extraordinarily drained even after sitting nonetheless for some time or not transferring a lot. “Sufferers typically complain of chest fatigue,” says Goldberg. “They are saying they will't do easy actions like strolling to the bathroom.”

Not everybody will get all these signs. In case you are experiencing chest ache, particularly in case you even have a number of of the opposite signs, name 911 instantly.

For those who expertise signs of a coronary heart assault:

• Don't delay looking for assist. “Ladies usually wait longer than males earlier than going to the emergency room,” says Rita F. Redberg, MD, MSc, FACC, director of Ladies's Cardiovascular Providers for the UCSF Division of Cardiology in San Francisco. Even in case you suppose your signs aren't that dangerous or will cross, the stakes are too excessive.
• Don’t drive your self to the hospital. You want an ambulance. For those who drive, you would have an accident on the street and presumably injure your self or another person.
• Additionally, don't let a buddy or member of the family drive you. You might not get there quick sufficient.
• Don't ignore what you’re feeling. “Don't fear about feeling silly in case you're mistaken,” says Goldberg. It’s worthwhile to have it examined instantly.

“Individuals don't need to spend hours within the emergency room if it's not a coronary heart assault,” says Bairey Merz. “However girls are literally good at deciding what's typical for themselves and when to hunt well being care.”