These Signs Might Indicate Heart Attack in Women
When people picture a heart attack, they often imagine the classic movie scene, someone clutching their chest and collapsing. But in real life, especially for women, heart attack symptoms can look very different. That’s why they’re often overlooked or mistaken for something less serious.
Here are four signs of a heart attack that women should never brush off.
1. Unusual fatigue
We all get tired. But heart-related fatigue hits differently. It might feel like you’re exhausted for no reason, even after getting a full night’s sleep. You might find yourself completely worn out after small tasks, like walking up the stairs or doing errands that normally don’t slow you down. If this kind of deep, unexplained tiredness creeps in and won’t go away, it’s worth paying attention to.
2. Shortness of breath
If you’re suddenly out of breath doing things that didn’t bother you before, like walking to the mailbox or carrying groceries, it could be your heart signaling that it’s struggling. Some women experience shortness of breath while resting or even lying down. If it feels hard to take a deep breath and there’s no clear reason for it, that’s a red flag.
3. Pressure or discomfort in the chest
This one is common in both men and women, but women may describe it differently. Instead of sharp chest pain, it might feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or fullness. Some women say it feels more like indigestion or heaviness rather than outright pain. If you feel discomfort in your chest that comes and goes or lasts more than a few minutes, don’t ignore it.
4. Pain in the neck, jaw, back, or arms
Women often have pain in places that don’t seem obviously connected to the heart. You might feel a dull ache or sharp pain in your neck, upper back, shoulders, jaw, or even down one or both arms. The pain might come on suddenly or build gradually, and it may not seem tied to movement or strain. If it feels strange or out of nowhere, it’s worth getting checked out.
Trust your gut
The truth is, many women chalk these symptoms up to stress, aging, or just being out of shape. But heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., and early treatment can make all the difference. If something feels off, don’t wait. Call your doctor or head to the ER.
You know your body better than anyone else. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. It’s always better to check and be safe than to ignore a warning sign that could save your life.
