Skip to main content
MCHS_Logo_2024_BLACK
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services

      Featured Services

      • Cardiology (Heart)
      • Gastroenterology & Hepatology (Digestive Care)
      • Neurosurgery
      • Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)
      • Oncology (Cancer)
      • Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surgery (Bones)
      • Primary Care
      • Spine Care
      • Sports Medicine
      • Surgery
      • Urology

      View all services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Lake City
      • Lake Crystal
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Rochester
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    Posted By
    Stacy Blackburn DO

    Stacy Blackburn, D.O.

    Family Medicine, Prenatal Care, Primary Care

    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight-loss (Bariatric) Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Monday, February 27, 2023

    Heart disease in women: Symptoms, risk factors

    Topics in this Post
    • Heart Health
    • Women's Health
    • Family Medicine
    Women arm in arm

    Sweating, nausea, dizziness and unusual fatigue may not sound like typical heart attack symptoms. However, they are common for women and may occur more often when resting or asleep.

    Pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest is not always severe or even the most prominent heart attack symptom, particularly in women. That’s why women need to understand their unique symptoms and work to reduce their risk of heart disease.

    Certain factors play a more significant role in the development of heart disease in women than the traditional risks of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.

    Women should control these risk factors to help prevent heart disease:

    • Diabetes
    • Mental stress and depression
    • Smoking
    • Sedentary lifestyle

    Certain conditions, including menopause, broken heart syndrome and pregnancy complications, also may increase a woman's risk for heart disease.

    Women all of ages should take heart disease seriously. Women tend to seek care in emergency rooms after heart damage has already occurred, because their symptoms are not those usually associated with a heart attack, and they tend to downplay their symptoms.

    If you experience these symptoms or think you're having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately.

    Test your knowledge about heart disease and women

    The more you know about the nation's No. 1 killer of women, the better. Here's a quiz to test your knowledge about heart disease and women.

    True or False: Heart disease only affects older women.

    False: Heart disease affects women of all ages. The combination of birth control pills and smoking boosts heart disease risks by 20% in young women, according to the American Heart Association. And risk increases as women age. Overeating and leading a sedentary lifestyle are factors that lead to blocked arteries over time. Don't let your age lull you into a false sense of security.

    True or False: Heart disease only affects women who don't take care of themselves.

    False: Unfortunately, all the salads and yoga in the world can't eliminate your heart disease risk. Family history often plays a factor.

    Knowing your heart health numbers can help. The American Heart Association recommends you start getting your cholesterol checked at age 20, or earlier if your family has a history of heart disease. And be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

    True or False: I feel fine; therefore, I am fine.

    False: According to the American Heart Association, 64% of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease had no previous symptoms.

    And when women experience symptoms, those signs often are misinterpreted. Women's symptoms often are vague — shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. Other women experience dizziness, lightheadedness, pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, and extreme fatigue. If something feels off or not right, don't wait to seek medical attention.

    Stacy Blackburn, D.O., is a Family Medicine physician in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

    Topics in this Post
    • Heart Health
    • Women's Health
    • Family Medicine

    Related Posts

    Women talking around a laptop Women and heart disease: Understanding unique signs, risks
    CardiaPatientSP15_JackySmith_sm Cardiac rehabilitation helps woman regain strength and confidence after heart surgery
    Holding cup and saucer eyes closed Self-care tips for moms

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Price Transparency
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Manage Cookie
    © 2018 - 2025 Mayo Clinic Health System