What are the symptoms of heart disease in women?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and its symptoms can be subtle, atypical, and often dismissed as something else entirely.

Why Are Women's Heart Disease Symptoms Different?

Several factors contribute to the varied presentation of heart disease in women:

• Smaller Arteries: Women tend to have smaller coronary arteries than men, which can lead to different patterns of blockages and reduced blood flow.
• Microvascular Disease: Women are more likely to experience microvascular disease, a condition affecting the small blood vessels in the heart, which may not always be detected by traditional angiograms.
• Hormonal Differences: Estrogen, a key female hormone, offers some protection against heart disease before menopause. However, after menopause, this protection decreases, and hormonal fluctuations can also influence symptoms.
• Pain Perception: There might be physiological differences in how women perceive and report pain compared to men.

Beyond the Crushing Chest Pain: A Wider Range of Symptoms

While chest pain is still a common symptom for women experiencing heart problems, it often presents differently than in men. Instead of the classic crushing sensation, women might describe it as:

• Pressure or tightness in the chest.
• Squeezing or fullness.
• Burning or aching.
• Pain that radiates to the back, jaw, neck, shoulder, or arm (often the left, but can be either).
• Pain that is not necessarily severe but persistent.

However, the crucial point is that many women experience atypical symptoms that are less commonly associated with heart disease, leading to delays in seeking help. These include:

1. Shortness of Breath: This can occur even without chest pain and may feel like you've just run a marathon when you haven't exerted yourself.
2. Nausea, Vomiting, or Indigestion: These gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in women experiencing heart events and can be easily mistaken for the flu or heartburn.
3. Extreme Fatigue: Unexplained and overwhelming tiredness that lasts for days or weeks, even with adequate rest, can be a significant warning sign.
4. Dizziness, Lightheadedness, or Fainting: Feeling unsteady or losing consciousness can indicate reduced blood flow to the brain due to a heart problem.
5. Sweating: Suddenly breaking out in a cold sweat, even when you're not hot or exerting yourself, can be a symptom.
6. Pain in the Back, Jaw, Neck, or Shoulder (without chest pain): As mentioned earlier, pain can manifest in these areas alone, often described as a dull ache or pressure.
7. Anxiety or a Sense of Impending Doom: Some women report feeling unusually anxious or having a feeling that something is seriously wrong.
8. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, particularly waking up feeling anxious or short of breath, can be linked to heart issues.

Recognizing the Subtle Signals and Taking Action

The challenge lies in recognizing these often vague and less dramatic symptoms as potential signs of heart disease. Women may attribute them to stress, fatigue, or other less serious conditions. However, it's vital to pay attention to any new, persistent, or unusual symptoms and discuss them with a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Help:

Don't wait for severe chest pain. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially if they are new, sudden, or worsening, seek medical attention immediately. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your heart health.

What to Expect at the Doctor's Office:

Your doctor will likely ask about your medical history, family history of heart disease, and your current symptoms. They may perform several tests, including:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): To measure the electrical activity of your heart.
• Blood Tests: To check cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other markers.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart to assess its structure and function.
• Stress Test: To monitor your heart's activity during exercise.
• Angiogram: A procedure to visualize the coronary arteries using dye and X-rays.

Empowering Women Through Awareness

The key to improving outcomes for women with heart disease is education and awareness. By understanding the diverse and sometimes subtle ways heart problems can present in women, we can empower individuals to recognize the warning signs early and seek timely medical help.

Spread the word. Talk to the women in your life about these less-known symptoms. Early detection and intervention can save lives.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare¹ professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.²