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Signs of a heart attack in women.

Women's Health Week: Heart attacks can look different in women

It's National Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine here in New Zealand Aug 10-16. When you picture someone having a heart attack, what do you see? For most people, it's probably someone clutching their chest and complaining of crushing chest pain, sweating, and struggling to breathe.


That image is so ingrained that we often think these are the only symptoms related to a heart attack. While all these symptoms may be present, this might not be the case for some people, especially women.


Why heart attack symptoms can be easy to miss.

A story that resonates with me comes from a conversation I had with another nurse. The nurse told me about a woman who walked into triage complaining of one thing: back pain. No chest pain, no dramatic symptoms, just a constant, persistent ache in the back.

The nurse said something in her gut didn't sit right. She couldn't really explain it, but she knew something was off. She trusted her instincts and recognised that this could potentially be heart-related. Turns out, she was correct; the woman was having a heart attack.


Honestly, this story has really stuck with me. Mainly because we just don't talk about this enough. Women can experience heart attacks differently from men, and I think that's something we need to talk about more.


What can a heart attack look like in women?

Illustration comparing common heart attack symptoms with symptoms that may be more subtle in women, including back, neck or jaw pain, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, shortness of breath and chest pressure.

Women can experience a heart attack with symptoms such as;

  • Back, neck, jaw, or shoulder pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Abdominal pain

  • Chest discomfort that feels more like pressure than pain

  • Unusual fatigue


The problem is, these symptoms can be pretty easy to brush off. You might think you slept funny, ate something bad or are just exhausted. But sometimes there's something more serious going on.


What should you do if you suspect a heart attack?

If there's one thing I want people to take away from this during Women's Health Week, it is this: trust your instincts. Don't try to convince yourself that you're overreacting. If something feels wrong, get it checked.


If you, or someone you're with, is experiencing symptoms that could be a heart attack, even if they are mild or unusual.

Then;

  • Stop what you are doing and call emergency services (111)


If you're not sure whether it's "serious enough", call anyway and let trained professionals decide.


First aid for someone with a known heart condition.

If you come across someone in distress with a known heart condition, follow these simple first aid steps.

Have them sit comfortably, preferably on the floor.

Support them to take their own medication as prescribed.

If there is no relief after 10 mins (or 2 sprays 5 minutes apart), call 111 and access an AED

Give a 300mg oral aspirin (if available and no known aspirin allergy).


A quick reminder: this blog post is general information only. It does not replace medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, please speak with your doctor or seek urgent medical care.


Knowing the difference between angina, a heart attack, and cardiac arrest, and how the first aid response changes for each, is exactly what we cover in our first aid courses. If today's post has you wanting to build that confidence, have a look at our courses.


For more information about heart attack symptoms and heart health, visit the New Zealand Heart Foundation


Written by Jodie, City First Aid Instructor, with an Emergency Department Nursing background.

 
 
 

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