Racial Differences In Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Dr. McSweeney and her colleagues didn't just discover that the symptoms of heart attack in women were quite different from the symptoms of heart attack in men. They also discovered that Black women, White women, and Hispanic women tended to have very different clusters of symptoms. The top 10 symptoms of acute heart attack, requiring immediate medical treatment, differ greatly by race.

In women of African-American heritage, the number one symptom of acute myocardial infarction, suggesting that it is a good idea to call the ambulance right away, is shortness of breath. The researchers found that 66% of African-American women who had heart attacks experienced shortness of breath first.

In Hispanic and White women, however, the number one symptom a heart attack is happening is chest or breast discomfort. "Chest" pain may be felt as "breast" pain by any woman who is having a heart attack or who is about to have a heart attack. 

The researchers also found that arm pain takes many different forms in women

Not just a crushing pain but also a twisting or burning pain can indicate a heart attack. And instead of pain there may be numbness or tingling. All indicate a heart attack is on its way.

Why do women's heart attack symptoms differ by race? Frankly, the researchers don't know. But being familiar with these symptoms may enable getting timely treatment for yourself or for a woman you know.

The top ten symptoms of heart attack in Black women are, in order:

1. Shortness of breath.
2. Any kind of discomfort of the chest or breast. This can be, but does not have to be, flu-like pain. Especially in Black women, may also mimic breast pain associated with hormonal changes.
3. Weakness.
4. Fatigue.
5. Dizziness.
6. Hot flashes.
7. Left arm symptoms (pain, burning, or numbness, in the left shoulder, left arm, or left hand).
8. Indigestion.
9. Cold sweat.
10. Nausea

The top ten symptoms of heart attack in White women are, in order:

1. Any kind of discomfort of the chest or breast. This can be, but does not have to be, flu-like pain.
2. Shortness of breath.
3. Feeling weak.
4. Unusual fatigue,.
5. Cold sweat.
6. Dizziness.
7. Left arm symptoms (pain, burning, or numbness, in the left shoulder, left arm, or left hand)
8. Feeling of heaviness in both arms.
9. Nausea.
10. Aching in the arms.

The top ten symptoms of heart attack in Hispanic women are, in order:

1. Any kind of discomfort of the chest or breast. This can be, but does not have to be, flu-like pain.
2. Shortness of breath.
3. Fatigue.
4. Feeling weak.
5. Pain in the high chest.
6. Left arm sensations.
7. Cold sweat.
8. Dizziness.
9. Pain between the shoulder blades.
10. Arms feeling heavy.

Very, very few women experience the classic signs of heart attack that are more often observed in men. (All of the symptoms listed here will also be experienced by a small minority of men having heart attacks.) Recognizing the symptoms of heart disease earlier leads to earlier treatment that can save lives and spare women months or years of disability.