4 Heart Attack Symptoms Women Might Be Ignoring

We all associate chest pain with heart attacks. And while that is the most common symptom of a heart attack, women often have symptoms that aren’t related to chest pain at all. Women tend to chalk their symptoms up to less life-threatening conditions like acid reflux or normal aging. The following are warning signs of a heart attack women should not be ignoring:

1. Sore jaw – Jaw problems can emerge months before an attack. When there is a problem with the heart, it triggers pain not only in nerves in that area, but other parts of the body as well. Women may feel pain that is specific to the left, lower side of the jaw.
2. Flu-like symptoms – If your flu symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, or nausea, seem different or more intense than anything you’ve felt before, get it checked out.
3. Extreme, unexplained fatigue – This isn’t normal, too much on your plate, kind of tired. If you become tired from simple activities like making the bed or walking from one room to the next, get checked out.
4. Arm and back pain - Women, in particular, can have pain in either arm – not just the left one like many men. Pain in the lower or upper back often starts in the chest and spreads to these areas. This pain is sometimes sudden and can wake you up at night.

The sooner you report a problem, the better chance you have of catching an issue before it becomes a full-blown heart attack. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms, take note and visit your doctor as quickly as possible. Get help right way if you have chest pain or discomfort along with any of these symptoms. Call 9-1-1 or visit the emergency room if you’re experiencing severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats.