Prodromal myocardial infarction symptoms experienced by women

Abstract Objectives This integrative review sought to identify studies that describe individual prodromal myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms and clusters of prodromal symptoms in women and to critically examine this body of evidence. Background Studies have suggested that women may experience warning symptoms months prior to MI. Methods A comprehensive database search was conducted using multiple search terms in various combinations. A structured literature audit was then conducted. Results 12 studies were included in the final review, including 10 peer-reviewed journal articles and 2 doctoral dissertations. The review suggests that prodromal myocardial infarction symptoms are prevalent in almost all women prior to MI. The most common prodromal symptom appears to be fatigue, though other symptoms are also prevalent. Further, prodromal symptoms may be useful at predicting myocardial infarction. Conclusions Though prodromal MI symptoms experienced by women are prevalent, additional study is required in a larger population of diverse women to fully characterize prodromal MI symptoms in women.