The Hidden Signs of Heart Attacks in Women

We know that you know at least some things that prevent a heart attack (keep your blood pressure at or below 115/75, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, walk 30 minutes a day, and avoid aging foods, to name a few). But would you know if YOU were having one? In women, the symptoms are subtle and far less "elephant on the chest" than in men.

Many women have these warnings in the weeks or months leading up to a heart attack:

Unusual fatigue. More than 70% of women have marked fatigue in the days or weeks prior to their attacks.

Sleep disturbances. Take special notice of unusual or prolonged disturbances in your sleep patterns. Almost half of women who recently suffered a heart attack had sleep problems.

Indigestion, anxiety. Note your normal reactions to foods and activities, so you can recognize when something truly is amiss -- especially if you have high blood pressure, low healthy cholesterol, abdominal obesity, diabetes, a smoking habit, or a sedentary lifestyle.

Speed dial your doctor or get an ambulance to take you to the nearest certified chest-pain ER (know this before you need one) if you feel:

Shortness of breath, weakness, or extreme fatigue. In women, these are the most common signs that you're having a heart attack.

Unusual pain or pressure. Only 30% of female heart attack survivors felt chest discomfort. Instead, women tend to feel pressure, tightness, aching, or burning in the upper back, neck, shoulders, and arms, or even in the jaw or throat -- and they describe the feeling as sharp, full, or tingling. Other subtle signs: stomach pain, cold sweats, dizziness, or nausea.

Don't casually dismiss possible symptoms. Take advantage of the fact that some warning signs appear as much as a month beforehand. That gives you valuable time to see your doctor and get out of harm's way.

Take action: Here are 12 ways to keep your heart healthy and potentially prevent a heart attack.