Ask A Magnet Nurse

Heart Attack Signs Can Be Subtle, Especially For Women 

Amanda Brodmann, RN, BSN, CCRN
Coronary Care Unit

Smart Living: When people think of a heart attack, they often reference what they’ve seen on television—a character experiencing a sudden, crushing pain in their chest. Does that reflect real life?

Amanda Brodmann: Male patients—even younger ones—do often present with that crushing chest pain. Females may have chest pain, but often we see something completely different.

SL: How so?

AB: Some of the signs can be subtle, and often females are focused on their family and the needs of others, so they may not notice it as quickly. These include a dull pain in their back, or sometimes their neck or jaw. Nausea and abdominal pain can also be symptoms. Shortness of breath, fatigue and even trouble sleeping could be a precursor to a heart attack.

SL: How should women respond to those subtle symptoms, which don’t always point to a heart issue?

AB: We encourage women to be proactive and to reach out to their doctor. We have had patients here in the CCU whose journey started with them telling their doctor, “This doesn’t feel right,” or “I am feeling a little off.”

Along those same lines, we tell patients to keep up with their lab work, their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and getting regular physicals. And, of course, there are lifestyle factors that can help women prevent a heart attack such as a healthy diet, exercise and not smoking. We always encourage being proactive in your care.