Many people think heart disease only affects men, but it is actually the number one cause of death for women too.
The problem is, heart disease in women can look different from what we often see in men. The early warning signs can be quiet, and that makes them easy to miss.
For men, chest pain or pressure is a common sign of heart problems. But women may not feel the same strong symptoms. Instead, their signs can be milder or unusual, which can delay getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have found that women often experience what doctors call “atypical” symptoms of heart disease. These can include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
For example, a study in the journal Circulation showed 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 kind of tiredness isn’t just feeling worn out after a long day—it’s a deep exhaustion that doesn’t go away with sleep.
Another early sign in women is shortness of breath. It may happen even without chest pain and could show up during everyday tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries. Pain in areas like the arms, shoulders, back, neck, or upper stomach may also appear.
Many women mistake these symptoms for things like indigestion, sore muscles, or stress. But they can be signs that the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Sleep problems can also be a warning sign. Trouble falling asleep or waking up in the middle of the night may seem unrelated, but studies show they could be linked to heart disease. Poor sleep can raise blood pressure and inflammation, both of which hurt the heart.
One of the biggest dangers is that heart disease often develops slowly. Over time, fatty plaque can build up in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. This is called atherosclerosis. It can happen without any symptoms until the arteries are badly blocked. That’s why it’s so important for women to know their risks and take action early.
Things that raise the risk of heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, not exercising, and having a family history of heart problems. Going through menopause can also raise the risk because of changes in hormones that affect the heart.
To protect yourself, it’s important to listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right—even if the symptoms are small or unusual—it’s better to talk to a doctor. Early treatment can help prevent a heart attack or other serious problems.
You can also lower your risk by living a heart-healthy lifestyle. That means eating healthy foods, staying active, not smoking, managing stress, and keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range. Seeing your doctor regularly can help catch problems early and keep your heart in good shape.
In short, heart disease in women can have quiet signs that are easy to ignore. But knowing what to look for can save your life. Don’t brush off strange symptoms—your heart may be warning you.
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