Women With Symptoms of Angina

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.

Angina Information

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.

(Women With Symptoms of Angina Continued: Page 2)