Know the signs of a heart attack in women.
Women typically experience slightly different heart attack symptoms than men. The signs can be a bit more subtle or be mistaken for other, less serious conditions. This is why many women delay getting emergency medical attention.
If you suspect you may be having a heart attack, call 911.
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, pain or a feeling of fullness in the center of your chest. It may last for several minutes, or go away and come back.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Feeling short of breath even if you don’t have chest discomfort.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or feeling lightheaded.
90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
Is your heart healthy?
Take our short assessment to see if you might be at risk.
Protect your heart.
While there are some risk factors for heart disease you can’t control — such as family history and certain medical conditions — there are many ways to reduce your risk of heart disease and prevent a heart attack.
Here’s how to start making your heart happy today:
- Don’t smoke. Get help quitting if you aren’t able to stop on your own
- Manage your blood sugar
- Get your blood pressure under control with lifestyle changes or medication prescribed by your doctor
- Lower your cholesterol
- Know your family history of heart disease, heart attack and hypertension
- Stay active
- Manage your weight
- Eat a heart healthy diet
Learn more about cardiovascular disease, testing and treatment
Healthy foods for a happy heart.
The right diet can make a big difference in the health of your heart — and your body too!
| Eat more of this | Eat less of this |
| Fruits and vegetables | Sugary foods like candy and dessert |
| Nuts | High-calorie beverages |
| Skinless poultry and fish | Processed food and snacks |
| Whole grains | Foods with trans fats |
| Legumes | Fatty cuts of meat |
| Skim or 1% milk | Alcoholic drinks |