One other symptom of heart attack in women is inability to sleep or a change in sleep patterns and yes, it will start weeks or a month before the heart attack will occur.
Yes, you are probably pre or peri menopausal at age 43. I was. Pre and peri menopause can last for several years. You are only post menopausal when you have been without a period for 1 full year.
I went for 11 months without one, then I had one, and only one - but I couldn't be considered through or post-menopausal for another year!
Anyway, it is very good that Sarah posted the s/s of heart disease in women - this is VERY important information!