Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack.

Many people expect a heart attack to come on suddenly. But research suggests that women experience symptoms for several weeks before a heart attack.

A study of 515 women who had experienced a heart attack, published in 2003, reports 80 percent of women had at least 1 symptom at least 4 weeks before their heart attack.

Symptoms may be constant or come and go, and they may also disrupt sleep.

It is vital for a woman who experiences any of these symptoms to seek help immediately, as heart attacks can be fatal, regardless of whether symptoms are mild or severe.

The symptoms of a possible heart attack are:

1.      Chest pain

The most common symptom of a heart attack in both males and females is chest pain or discomfort.

It may be described as:

•        tightness;

•        pressure;

•        squeezing;

•        aching.

However, women can experience a heart attack without having any chest discomfort.

29.7 percent of the women surveyed in the 2003 study experienced chest discomfort in the weeks before the attack. Also, 57 percent had chest pain during the heart attack.

2.      Extreme or unusual fatigue

Unusual fatigue is often reported in the weeks leading up to a heart attack. Fatigue is also experienced just before the event occurs.

Even simple activities that do not require much exertion can lead to feelings of being exhausted.

3.      Weakness

Feeling weak or shaky is a common acute symptom of a heart attack in a female.

This weakness or shaking may be accompanied by:

•        anxiety;

•        dizziness;

•        fainting;

•        feeling lightheaded.

4.      Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath or heavy breathing without exertion, especially when accompanied by fatigue or chest pain, may suggest heart problems.

Some women may feel short of breath when lying down, with the symptom easing when they are sitting upright.

5.      Sweating

Excessive sweating without a normal cause is another common heart attack symptom in women.

Feeling cold and clammy can also be an indicator of heart problems.

6.      Upper body pain

This is usually non-specific and cannot be attributed to a particular muscle or joint in the upper body.

Areas that can be affected include:

•        neck;

•        jaw;

•        upper back or either arm.

The pain can start in one area and gradually spread to others, or it may come on suddenly.

7.      Sleep disturbances

Almost half of women in the 2003 study reported issues with sleep in the weeks before they had a heart attack.

These disturbances may involve:

•        difficulty getting to sleep;

•        unusual waking throughout the night;

•        feeling tired despite getting enough sleep.

8.      Stomach problems

Some women may feel pain or pressure in the stomach before a heart attack.

Other digestive issues associated with a possible heart attack can include:

•        indigestion;

•        nausea;

•        vomiting.