Ask the Experts Blog

You may be surprised to learn that heart disease is the biggest threat to your health—even more so than breast cancer. And the same factors that put you at risk of a heart attack, also known as acute myocardial infarction, or AMI, also increase your chances of stroke and other health problems. If your heart’s in trouble, your body may send you warning signs. It’s up to you to notice these and talk to your health care provider about them. Your health—and your life—could depend on it.

Learn to Read the Signs

When your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen, you may experience a feeling called angina. It can be a sign that you are at risk for having a heart attack. Angina is often referred to as “chest pain,” but this can be misleading. It’s not always painful, and it’s not always in the chest. Many women have other symptoms along with—or instead of—chest pain or discomfort. Talk to your health care provider if you notice any of the following:

• Getting out of breath while doing something that used to be easy.
• Discomfort, aching, tightness, or pressure that comes and goes. This may be in the back, abdomen, arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw. It can also be in the chest.
• Feeling much more tired than usual, for no clear reason.
• Heartburn, nausea, or a burning feeling that seems unrelated to food.

Get to the Heart of the Problem

Women often don’t realize their symptoms could be related to heart trouble. If you feel any of the symptoms listed here, talk to your health care provider and ask to be tested for heart disease—even if you’re not sure that’s the cause. Tests, such as a stress echocardiogram and nuclear imaging, will reveal more about the problem. If your symptoms are heart-related, your health care provider will start treatment.

Is It a Heart Attack?
Don’t take chances! If you have chest pain or other heart attack symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do NOT drive yourself to the hospital.