10 signs women should never ignore when it comes to heart attack risk

You might think heart attacks are just for older men clutching their chests in movies, but the reality is much closer to home. Heart disease is actually the number one killer of women in the United States, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. That is a staggering statistic, yet about 44% of women do not even realize it is their biggest health threat.

FYI, that means we need to get serious about knowing the signs right now. I remember when my neighbor, a fit woman in her 40s, dismissed her symptoms as just “stress” until she ended up in the ER. Her story really woke me up to the fact that women experience things differently from men.

We often do not get the Hollywood-style chest-clutching. Instead, our bodies give us subtler, sneakier clues. Here are the 10 signs you should never ignore, because knowing them could literally save your life.

Chest Pain or Discomfort: It’s Not Just the “Classic” Pain

We all know chest pain is the classic sign, but for women, it often feels less like a sharp pain and more like a heavy weight. You might feel a squeezing sensation or a sense of fullness in the center of your chest. It can last for a few minutes, go away, and then come back.

Do not brush this off as just heartburn or a pulled muscle. If that pressure feels relentless or strange, you need to pay attention. The American Heart Association states that while chest pain is common, the sensation of “pressure” is a huge red flag for heart attack risk.

Unusual Fatigue: A Level of Tiredness That Doesn’t Make Sense

I am talking about the kind of tired where you cannot even muster the energy to make a sandwich. If you feel completely wiped out for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of heart attack risk. This fatigue often hits days or even weeks before the actual event.

Dr. Leslie Cho from the Cleveland Clinic mentions that women often think they are just “working too hard.” But if a full night’s sleep does not fix it, or if you feel heavy and weak, your heart might be under stress. Listen to your body when it demands a break.

Shortness of Breath: A Sign That Something Is Off

Have you ever felt winded just walking to the mailbox? If you suddenly struggle to catch your breath while doing things that are normally easy for you, your body might be shouting for help. This can happen with or without chest discomfort.

The Cleveland Clinic notes that shortness of breath is a very common early symptom for women. Your heart may be struggling to pump blood effectively, leaving you gasping for air. If this happens while you are resting or doing light activities, call 911.

Upper Body Pain: Not Just in the Chest

Women often report pain between their shoulder blades. You might describe it as a pressure, almost like a rope being tied around your upper body. It is easy to think you just tweaked a muscle lifting groceries.

However, back pain that comes on suddenly and does not improve with movement or massage can be cardiac-related. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute highlights back pain as a key symptom that women often overlook. Don’t let a “backache” fool you.

Nausea or Vomiting: A Sign Often Mistaken for the Flu

Unlike men, women may experience nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach that resembles flu symptoms before a heart attack. This can be confusing, as the digestive issues may seem unrelated to heart problems. However, these symptoms can signal heart distress and should be taken seriously.

Sweating or Cold Sweats: More Than Just a Hot Flash

Breaking out into a cold sweat, especially without an obvious cause like physical exertion or heat, can be a sign of an impending heart attack. When this symptom appears alongside others, it’s important to seek medical help immediately, as it may indicate significant distress.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A Loss of Balance That Can’t Be Ignored

Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded, especially when paired with chest discomfort or shortness of breath, can signal a heart issue. This symptom may also indicate that the heart is not pumping efficiently, requiring immediate attention to prevent further complications.

Indigestion or Heartburn: It Might Be More Than Digestive Trouble

Indigestion or heartburn can often feel similar to heart-related pain, especially for women. If there’s no prior history of digestive issues and the discomfort is severe or persistent, it might not be just indigestion. In such cases, the digestive discomfort may be a sign of a heart attack and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Anxiety or Unexplained Sense of Doom: A Feeling of Something Being Wrong

This sounds dramatic, but it is a real medical phenomenon. Many survivors report feeling an overwhelming sense of anxiety or fear, like “something bad is going to happen,” right before a heart attack.

This is your body’s primal alarm system going off. If you feel a sudden wave of panic or doom that you cannot explain, do not ignore it. Dr. Tamis-Holland advises that you should err on the safe side and seek medical attention when doubt creeps in.

Sleep Disturbances: Waking Up with Shortness of Breath or Pain

Sleep disturbances, such as waking up short of breath or experiencing chest discomfort during the night, can be early indicators of a heart attack. When combined with other risk factors, this may indicate that the heart is struggling, and it is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.

Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

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