When most people think of a heart attack, they picture someone clutching their chest in sudden, intense pain. But for many women, heart attack symptoms can be far more subtle—and often mistaken for less serious issues like stress, indigestion, or fatigue.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, yet many are unaware of the unique ways heart attacks can present in females. Recognizing the signs early can be life-saving, and prevention is key to maintaining good women’s heart health.

In this article, we’ll explore the most overlooked heart attack symptoms in women, discuss the signs of heart disease, and share heart attack prevention tips to help you take charge of your cardiovascular health.

Common vs. Lesser-Known Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Many women experience heart attack symptoms that don’t fit the "classic" signs we often see in men. While chest pain is still a primary symptom, women are more likely to experience other warning signs that can be easily dismissed.

Classic Symptoms (More Common in Men & Some Women):

• Intense chest pain or discomfort (often described as pressure or squeezing)

• Pain spreading to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back

• Shortness of breath

• Cold sweats

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Lesser-Known Symptoms (More Common in Women):

1. Unusual Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired—even when well-rested—can be an early sign. Some women report feeling drained for days or weeks before a heart attack.

2. Nausea or Vomiting: Unlike men, women may experience flu-like symptoms, nausea, or stomach pain.

3. Pain in the Upper Back, Jaw, or Shoulders: Many women mistake this for muscle strain. If the pain is persistent and unexplained, it could be heart-related.

4. Shortness of Breath Without Chest Pain: If you find yourself struggling to breathe for no clear reason, it may indicate a heart issue.

5. Dizziness or Sudden Weakness: Feeling faint, lightheaded, or weak could signal reduced blood flow to the brain.

Why Women’s Symptoms Differ:
Women’s arteries tend to be smaller than men’s, and heart disease in women often affects smaller blood vessels rather than the main coronary arteries. This results in different symptoms, which are sometimes harder to recognize.

Why Women Often Ignore Heart Attack Symptoms

1. Symptoms Can Be Subtle: Unlike the dramatic chest pain seen in men, women may experience vague symptoms that don’t seem urgent.

2. They Mistake It for Other Issues: Women often misinterpret symptoms as stress, heartburn, or exhaustion.

3. Busy Lifestyles: Many women put their family and work first, ignoring warning signs or delaying medical care.

4. Doctors May Overlook It: Research shows that women’s heart attack symptoms are sometimes dismissed in medical settings, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

The takeaway? If something feels off, don’t ignore it! Trust your body and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Who Is Most at Risk? Understanding the Signs of Heart Disease

While heart attacks can happen to any woman at any age, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.

Major Risk Factors for Women:

1. High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension damages arteries and increases heart attack risk.

2. Diabetes: Women with diabetes are more likely to develop silent heart disease with minimal symptoms.

3. High Cholesterol: Too much LDL ("bad") cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries.

4. Smoking: Women who smoke are twice as likely to have a heart attack as non-smokers.

5. Obesity & Sedentary Lifestyle: Being overweight and inactive puts extra strain on the heart.

6. Hormonal Factors: Estrogen can protect the heart, so the risk increases after menopause.

7. Family History: If heart disease runs in your family, you’re at higher risk.

Key Insight: Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ups can help catch problems early before they become severe.

Heart Attack Prevention: How to Protect Your Heart

The good news? 80% of heart attacks are preventable through simple lifestyle changes! Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk:

1. Get Regular Health Screenings

Early detection is key to preventing heart disease. Schedule routine check-ups to monitor:

• Blood Pressure – High BP is a silent killer.

• Cholesterol Levels – Balance your LDL & HDL cholesterol.

• Blood Sugar Levels – If you’re at risk for diabetes, get tested regularly.

Pro Tip: The OneWellness app makes tracking vitals and scheduling doctor consultations easy.

2. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods

Your diet plays a huge role in heart attack prevention. Aim for:

• More: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins.

• Less: Salt, processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

3. Exercise Regularly

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity (like walking or cycling) per week. Even small activities, like taking the stairs, make a difference.

4. Manage Stress & Get Enough Sleep

• Chronic stress increases heart disease risk. Try meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to manage it. 

• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night—poor sleep is linked to high blood pressure.

5. Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

• Smoking damages arteries, making heart attacks more likely. If you smoke, seek support to quit. 

• Limit alcohol to one drink per day max to protect your heart.

6. Know Your Family History

If heart disease runs in your family, talk to your doctor about preventative measures.

When to Seek Emergency Help

If you experience any heart attack symptoms—especially unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort—seek immediate medical help.

• Call emergency services (911 or your country’s equivalent) immediately. 

• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Time is crucial, early treatment saves lives!

Conclusion

Women’s heart attack symptoms can look very different from men’s, which is why it’s important to listen to your body and take warning signs seriously. Recognizing symptoms early and making heart-healthy choices can protect your heart health and lower your risk of heart disease.

Take Action Today:

• Schedule a heart health screening.

• Make small lifestyle changes to improve heart health.

• Encourage the women in your life to prioritize their heart health, too!

A healthy heart is a happy heart, start taking care of yours today.