What are the typical symptoms of a myocardial infarction in women?

The typical symptoms of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) in women often present differently than they do in men. While chest pain is a common symptom in both sexes, women frequently report symptoms that are less classic and can be more subtle. The symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea are particularly significant because they can be misattributed to other conditions or stress, which adds to the challenge of timely recognition and treatment of a heart attack in women.

Fatigue is a common and often overlooked symptom that may occur in the weeks leading up to a myocardial infarction, whereas shortness of breath can manifest with minimal exertion, and nausea can happen due to the visceral nature of cardiac pain—both of which are critical signals of a possible heart attack.

In contrast, while other options contain symptoms that could be associated with cardiovascular issues, they are not as specific to myocardial infarctions in women as fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea. Therefore, recognizing these symptoms is crucial for prompt medical intervention and improving outcomes for women experiencing a heart attack.