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Shoulder Pain? It Could Be a Deadly Heart Attack Sign
29 May
Summary
- Atypical shoulder pain may indicate a life-threatening heart attack.
- Women are more prone to subtle heart attack symptoms than men.
- Early recognition of diverse symptoms is crucial for saving lives.

A medical expert has highlighted shoulder pain as a potential, yet often overlooked, symptom of a life-threatening heart attack. While classic signs like chest pain and breathlessness are widely recognized, this doctor points out that women, more than men, may experience atypical symptoms. These can include pain radiating to the jaw or arm, as well as nausea, sweating, and dizziness.
The differing symptom presentation is attributed to how heart attacks manifest in men and women. Men often experience a complete blockage in a major heart artery, whereas women typically develop blockages in multiple smaller arteries. This can lead to more widespread heart involvement and diverse warning signs.
It is crucial for individuals, particularly women, not to dismiss these less common symptoms as minor issues. Both men and women share equal fatality rates from heart attacks. Health professionals emphasize that women can also experience classic chest pain but may present with subtler indicators, leading to potential delays in seeking care or misdiagnosis. Spreading awareness of these varied symptoms is key to saving lives.