Women and Heart Disease

• Heart disease is the number one killer of women over age 25. The warning symptoms in women are different than in men. For men, chest pain is the dominant symptom. But only 30% of women who have heart attacks report chest pain. When they do have chest pain, it often presents as discomfort or pressure, rather than a severe pain. Some of the symptoms of heart disease in women are: shortness of breath with exercise, fatigue, indigestion, sweating, and nausea. Symptoms of heart disease in women are different because they often have blockages in the smaller vessels, as well as in their main arteries. If experiencing symptoms, women should consult with their provider to see if a stress test is in order.
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