Hidden heart attack symptoms every woman should know

When you think about heart attacks, what pops into your mind first? Maybe it’s intense chest pain or crushing pressure. But a heart attack can show up in many ways, and some are subtler than expected.

For women, recognizing the signs can be especially tricky. “Women often don’t have the classic chest pain most people associate with a heart attack,” says Srishti Nayak, MD, a cardiologist with HonorHealth Heart Care. “Instead, fatigue, shortness of breath, jaw pain, nausea or GI symptoms may be the first clues. It is important to assess changes in exercise capacity.  But overall, it's never a bad idea to seek cardiac care if you are concerned.”

Another reality many women face: “I see so many female patients who’ve put their own health on hold while caring for others,” says Dr. Nayak. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., claiming one in five each year. For women, the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease is far higher than the risk of dying from breast cancer … and twice as high as dying from all other cancers combined.

The takeaway? Your heart deserves attention, too. “Exercise, avoiding tobacco, eating well and staying on top of regular heart health screenings are crucial” Dr. Nayak advises. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference, and your heart and family will thank you.