Many people think heart disease mainly affects men, but it’s actually the number one cause of death for women too.
What makes it even more dangerous for women is that the early signs can be very different from what men usually experience. Women’s symptoms are often more subtle and easier to overlook, which can lead to delays in getting the right care.
Men often report classic symptoms like crushing chest pain or pressure during a heart attack. But women may feel completely different signs.
Instead of sharp pain, women may experience things like extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, or pain in areas like the back, neck, or stomach. Because these signs aren’t as well known, they can be mistaken for less serious issues like stress, indigestion, or even the flu.
A study published in the journal Circulation found that nearly 70% of women who had a heart attack said they felt very tired or weak in the days or weeks before it happened. This isn’t the usual kind of tiredness from a busy day—it’s a deep, unexplained exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.
Shortness of breath is another key sign to watch for. Women may notice they get winded doing normal things like walking upstairs or carrying groceries.
They may also feel pain or pressure in places like the arms, shoulders, jaw, or upper stomach—often with no chest pain at all. These signs can be confusing and easy to misread, but they might be the heart’s way of asking for help.
Sleep problems may also point to trouble. Research shows that women who struggle with falling asleep or staying asleep are at higher risk for heart disease. Poor sleep can lead to high blood pressure and inflammation, both of which put extra strain on the heart.
One of the most dangerous things about heart disease in women is how slowly it can develop without any obvious signs.
Over time, plaque builds up in the arteries, which is a condition called atherosclerosis. This can go unnoticed for years until a major problem, like a heart attack, occurs. That’s why knowing your risk factors and paying attention to early warning signs is so important.
Some of the main risk factors for heart disease in women include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, not getting enough exercise, and a family history of heart disease. Changes during menopause can also raise a woman’s risk because hormone levels affect the heart and blood vessels.
The best thing you can do is listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right—even if the symptoms seem small or unusual—talk to your doctor. Early action can save your life.
To protect your heart, try to live a healthy lifestyle. Eat nutritious foods, move your body regularly, avoid smoking, manage stress, and keep your blood pressure and cholesterol in check. Regular health check-ups are also key for catching problems early.
In short, heart disease in women often looks different than it does in men. But just because the symptoms are quiet doesn’t mean the danger isn’t real. Learn the signs, take care of your health, and don’t ignore what your body is telling you. It could make all the difference.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about a new cause of heart rhythm disorders and eating just one cup of nitrate-rich vegetables daily can reduce heart disease risk.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about blood thinners that may not prevent stroke in people with heartbeat problems and this diabetes drug may protect heart health in older veterans.
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