Women and Heart Attacks

Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that women often experience new or different physical symptoms as long as a month or more before experiencing heart attacks.
Among the 515 women studied, 95-percent said they knew their symptoms were new or different a month or more before experiencing a heart attack - also known as Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The symptoms most commonly reported were unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance, and shortness of breath.

Many women never experience classic "chest pain" during an AMI. Surprisingly, fewer than 30% reported having chest pain or discomfort prior to their heart attacks, and 43% reported have no chest pain during any phase of the attack. Women's experience with heart attacks (AMI) differs from men's. Recognition of  the symptoms unique to women provide an early indication of heart attack, either imminently or in the near future, is critical to forestalling or preventing the disease.

If you experience any of these symptoms of AMI call 911.  Early diagnosis by EMS providers, treatment and rapid access to hospital intervention can make a difference in your outcome.