When you think of a heart attack, you likely picture someone collapsing under sudden, intense chest pain. While that does happen (especially in men), heart attack symptoms in women are typically more subtle, seemingly unrelated to heart issues, and easier to miss, which is one of the reasons heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.
Dr. Fahmi Farah and our team at Bentley Heart highlight four often overlooked heart attack symptoms that all women should be aware of.
Feeling tired isn’t unusual, but sudden, overwhelming fatigue that seems out of proportion to your activity level is cause for concern.
Some women report feeling exhausted for days or weeks before a heart attack. Others are unable to complete their usual daily tasks, such as climbing stairs or carrying groceries, without feeling drained.
If you have any new, unexplained fatigue, it’s always worth seeing a medical professional for an evaluation.
Shortness of breath without a clear cause (like a strenuous workout) often means your heart isn’t pumping effectively. You may notice that you get winded during activities that used to be difficult.
In some cases, shortness of breath occurs without any chest pain, making it easier to overlook. You can mistake it for anxiety or simply being out of shape.
Many women experiencing a heart attack report symptoms that feel more like a stomach issue than a cardiovascular one, but nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or upper abdominal discomfort can all be signs.
Because these symptoms are common and often harmless, they’re easy to dismiss. However, if you have a gastrointestinal issue that’s new, severe, or paired with other warning signs like sweating or fatigue, don’t ignore it.
Pain related to a heart attack doesn’t always stay in the chest — it can radiate to other areas of your upper body.
Women, in particular, may experience discomfort in the jaw, neck, upper back, or one or both shoulders. This pain can be dull, sharp, or pressure-like. It may come and go or gradually intensify.
Because it’s not always dramatic, it’s easy to write off heart attack pain as muscle strain or tension. When new pain in your upper body appears alongside other symptoms, it warrants prompt evaluation.
Biology is largely to blame for the discrepancy between the genders. For example, women may experience differences in how heart disease develops and how blood flow becomes restricted. Hormonal factors and smaller coronary arteries can also influence symptom patterns.
Additionally, women are more likely to attribute symptoms to stress, anxiety, or busy schedules.
Understanding that your warning signs differ can significantly reduce your risk of overlooking important symptoms.
Heart attacks in women aren’t always textbook. Symptoms may be quieter, less obvious, or easier to rationalize away.
But knowing what to expect and paying attention to subtle changes in your health can make all the difference. If you’re unsure or want more information, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Contact our friendly staff at 817-720-5185 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation at our Fort Worth, Texas, office today.
If you’re already experiencing symptoms, don’t wait for an appointment. Call 911 or make your way to your nearest emergency room.