3 potential heart attack symptoms women shouldn't ignore

You’ve probably heard the most common warning sign of a heart attack is sudden, sharp chest pain. But did you know women’s bodies can start showing signs of a heart attack a few weeks to a month before it actually happens?

If you know the warning signs, you could potentially prevent a major cardiac event. Here are three symptoms you should be aware of and watch out for.

Sudden fatigue

Like most women, you’re probably busy most days. If you work outside the home, manage your household, and maybe care for your spouse or aging parents, it’s normal to be tired. The type of fatigue you should pay attention to is when it comes on heavily and suddenly, such as when:

• Your chest feels heavy and tired, even though you haven’t exerted yourself.
• You feel extremely worn out after your regular workout routine.
• Small, simple activities make you unreasonably more tired than they should.
• You’re not getting good sleep, despite feeling fatigue.

Difficulty breathing and/or sweating abnormally

As women age, there are normal things that can cause shortness of breath and sweating — like weight gain or hot flashes due to menopause. It’s when you can’t think of a reason why you’re feeling that way that’s cause for concern. Take notice when it’s not normal, for instance, if:

• You start to sweat or feel short of breath when you haven’t exerted yourself.
• You have increasing breathlessness when you do exert yourself, but it’s worse over time.
• You lie down and are short of breath, but feel better once you sit up.
• You get cold and clammy “stress” sweat when you don’t feel stressed.
• You’re sweating or short of breath and have chest pain or fatigue.

Pain in the neck, jaw, arms or back

Our bodies try to look out for us the best they can. And one way they do that is by sending pain signals.

A heart problem, for example, can trigger the nerves surrounding it — and the pain can manifest somewhere other than your heart. You might notice pain in your jaw, back, neck or arms. And, sometimes, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly where it’s coming from. If the pain is worse after you exercise, you should see your doctor.

Here’s what else you should watch for:

• Pain in either arm. Many men feel pain in the left arm before a heart attack, but for women, it can be both.
• Pain in the chest that spreads to your lower and upper back.
• Sudden pain that wakes you up at night.
• Specific pain in your lower, left side of the jaw.

So, how do you know when to call your doctor and when to dial 911?

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, call your doctor right away. They may take your pulse and blood pressure, order blood work, and/or observe your heart with an electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram.

If you have any of the symptoms listed below and chest pain at the same time, call 911. This is especially important if the symptoms last longer than 5 minutes.

• Upper body pain, including the arms, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Sweating or cold sweat
• Fullness, indigestion or a choking feeling (may feel like heartburn)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, extreme weakness or anxiety
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats

If you have any of these three categories of symptoms and you’re not sure of the cause, see your doctor right away. Trust your gut — it could save your life.