Common Questions about Heart Attack in Women

We’ve all seen the movie scenes where a man gasps, clutches his chest and falls to the ground. In reality, a heart attack victim could easily be a woman, and the scene may not be that dramatic.

What causes a heart attack?

Heart attacks occur when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly narrow from a buildup of plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. This buildup causes a blood clot to form, which is the cause of heart attacks.

While the initial cause can often be pinned on the usual suspects — smokers or those who are overweight, physically inactive, or eat an unhealthy diet — the not-so-usual suspects can also be at high risk for heart attack.

What are the symptoms of heart attack in women?

Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both women and men. Some people may describe it differently – pain, pressure, a weight on your chest – but any concerns should be a sign to seek help.

Other major symptoms are:

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, both arms or shoulders
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
• Shortness of breath

Women may also experience additional symptoms, including:

• Unexplained tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting

Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if the victim doesn’t get help right away.

Can a heart attack feel like the flu?

Even though heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, women often chalk up the symptoms to less life-threatening conditions like acid reflux, the flu or normal aging. This may happen because of fear over having a heart attack, which is a natural reaction. However, it’s much better to seek medical help even if you feel afraid because of heart attack symptoms.

How common are heart attacks?

From 2017 to 2020, about 3.2 million females in the U.S. had a history of heart attack.

With heart disease being the No. 1 killer of women, it’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms, see a doctor regularly, and learn your family history.

What are some of the heart attack risks specific to women?

Some heart attack risks specific to women include:

• Pregnancy. Although heart attack associated with pregnancy is not common, its numbers are on the rise. Pregnancy-related health issues such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure can raise the risk for a heart attack and other heart problems.
• Menopause. Until menopause, the female body makes estrogen, a hormone that is protective against heart disease. Levels of estrogen lower both during and after menopause, may lead to an increased risk for heart disease. However, it’s still possible to have heart disease at any age.
• Hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, and vaginal rings. Hormonal birth control could raise your risk for a heart attack only slightly. However, your health provider may recommend avoiding them if you have existing high blood pressure, heart disease, or other health conditions. There are many options, so discuss with your health provider what’s best for you.

Can an adult woman of any age have a heart attack?

Yes. Although heart attacks are more commonly associated with older adults, they are increasing in younger people. One study, which compared patients who had a heart attack at a young age (41-50 years old and 40 and or younger) found that 1 in 5 is 40 or younger. Young women who had a heart attack were more likely to be Black and have co-existing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

How do I recover from a heart attack?

An important part of heart attack recovery is cardiac rehabilitation, an outpatient program that uses medically supervised exercise – usually an average of three times per week for three months. It also includes nutrition counseling and risk management to help you maintain a healthy weight or quit smoking.

Research has found that any physical activity after a heart attack can be helpful, but the goal should be regular physical activity. A healthy diet that limits sugar, sodium, as well as saturated and trans fats is also important.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables and little red meat. The DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, also incorporates a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products and oils like olive oil.

Another important element of recovery is finding a support system. Isolation can be a marker for a recurrent heart attack and death. Rely on family, friends or your place of worship for emotional support. Reach out to support networks or seek professional help.

After a heart attack, a physician may prescribe medicines such as:

• aspirin
• a beta blocker
• statin therapy
• other drugs to ensure heart muscle function

It's important to take medications as prescribed. It's also critical to keep regular medical appointments and monitor key risk factors such as blood pressure. Call the doctor if a symptom, even a mild one, occurs and then goes away. It may signal a risk for a recurrence.

How do I avoid a 2nd heart attack?

Do all that you can to follow recommended treatments and any prevention measures. The right actions can help you return to regular activities more quickly, set a course for a healthier future, and help lower the risk of a second heart attack.