What Are Warning Signs Of Heart Disease In Women?

Dr. Bairey-Merz answers the question: 'Heart Disease Warning Signs In Women?'

By
Noel Bairey-Merz, M.D., Medical Director and Endowed Chair, Women's Health Program, Preventive Cardiac and Women's Heart Centers, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
December 24, 2008, 1:53 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: What are warning signs of heart disease in women?

Answer: The warning signs for coronary artery disease in women are somewhat different from men. Unlike having a typical Hollywood heart attack, where you might have pain or pressure in your chest, women will have that about half of the time where men will have it two-thirds to three-quarters of the time.

The other half of the time, women will develop what we call atypical symptoms. That might be something like stomach upset, nausea, indigestion, shortness of breath -- even arm, jaw, or neck pressure or pain. So these atypical symptoms should be acted on, and women should seek health care if they are having them.

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