Revealing the Hidden Signs of Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease doesn't discriminate. It affects both men and women, but the signs and symptoms can be very different between the two. As a primary care physician specializing in hospital medicine for over 15 years, I want to shed light on the often overlooked signs of heart disease in women.

• Chest Discomfort: Contrary to the classic Hollywood heart attack clutching-the-chest scene, women tend to experience less dramatic chest discomfort. Rather than a crushing pain, women usually have a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation. Some women describe it as an uncomfortable fullness or burning.
• Shortness of Breath: Feeling winded after climbing stairs or during routine activities can be a sign of heart disease. Women with heart issues might also experience shortness of breath even when resting or lying down. Pay attention to any unusual difficulty in catching your breath.  In these uncertain times, we’ve gotten used to breathing difficulties being a sign of respiratory illness.  But if your respiratory tests are normal, ask your doctor about your heart health.
• Fatigue: As women, we are taking care of everyone and everything around us.  Feeling tired is something we often dismiss as just part of our busy lives. However, unexplained fatigue, especially if it's severe or sudden, could be a sign of heart trouble. If you find yourself unusually drained despite getting enough rest, it's time to investigate further.
• Pain in Other Areas: While chest pain is a common symptom, women may also experience discomfort or pain in other areas of the upper body such as the neck, jaw, shoulder, or back. These symptoms can come and go and may be mistaken for other conditions like indigestion or muscle strain.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling queasy or actually vomiting can be signs of a heart attack in women. Sometimes, these symptoms can occur without any chest discomfort, leading to misinterpretation or delayed recognition of a cardiac event.
• Sweating: Breaking out into a cold sweat for no apparent reason could signal a heart problem, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like chest discomfort or shortness of breath. Pay attention to sudden and unexplained clamminess.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, particularly if it occurs suddenly or with exertion, could indicate a problem with your heart. Some women may feel like they're about to faint. These symptoms should never be ignored, especially if they're recurring.
• Unexplained Anxiety: While anxiety is a common condition, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread or doom for no apparent reason could be your body's way of signaling a heart issue. This sensation might be accompanied by other symptoms like chest discomfort or shortness of breath.

Remember, early detection is key in managing heart disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they're persistent, severe, and not explained by any known condition such as menopause or vertigo, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Your heart health matters, and together, we can ensure you live your best life.

Stay heart-healthy,   Dr. Fran

Tags: heart disease, women's health, heart health, sign and symptom of heart disease, women's heart health, heart disease in women