Women with symptoms of angina should take the condition seriously, because heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Symptoms of angina in women can be different from those seen in men, but often include chest pain or discomfort, fatigue, and heartburn-type sensations. Some women with symptoms of angina may also experience trouble sleeping, problems breathing, and anxiety.
Women With Symptoms of Angina: An Introduction
Many people believe that women do not get
heart disease. This may explain one reason why research studies show that women are less likely to recognize the
symptoms of heart disease, including
angina. However, currently 6 million women in the United States have
heart disease, and it is the number one killer of women.
It is true that a smaller number of women develop heart disease than men. It is thought that female hormones help protect women from heart disease before
menopause. After menopause, however, women have heart disease as often as men do. It is also true that
symptoms of angina in women can be different from symptoms in men.
Common Symptoms of Angina in Women
Common symptoms of angina in women include:
- Pain or discomfort (often a pressure-like pain) in or around the chest, shoulders, jaw, neck, back, or arms that may feel like a squeezing, pressing sensation (usually lasting two to five minutes)
- Indigestion or heartburn-type sensations
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness
- Weakness.
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