What are the atypical heart attack symptoms women experience according to the article?

Women may experience symptoms like extreme fatigue, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, or upper back, often without chest pain.

Why are heart attacks in women often called 'silent' by experts like Dr. Purshotam Lal?

They are called 'silent' because symptoms are subtle, atypical, and easily mistaken for other conditions like stress or the flu, leading to delayed diagnosis.

What is the global impact of cardiovascular diseases as mentioned by the WHO?

Cardiovascular diseases cause approximately 17.9 million deaths worldwide annually, making them the leading cause of death globally.

Home / Health / Beyond Chest Pain: Unmasking Heart Attacks in Women

Beyond Chest Pain: Unmasking Heart Attacks in Women

3 Jan

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Summary

Subtle symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and nausea are common in women.
Jaw, neck, shoulder, or upper back pain may signal a heart attack without chest pain.
Delayed medical help for atypical symptoms significantly increases heart damage.

Beyond Chest Pain: Unmasking Heart Attacks in Women

Cardiovascular diseases claim millions of lives globally each year, yet awareness of how heart attacks manifest in women remains critically low. Unlike the dramatic portrayals often depicted, women's heart attacks frequently present with subtle symptoms such as extreme fatigue, unexplained breathlessness, or nausea, often mistaken for stress, flu, or acidity. This can lead to dangerous delays in seeking medical attention.

Commonly overlooked signs include pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulders, or upper back, which may not be accompanied by chest pain. Some women experience overwhelming tiredness days or even weeks prior. Difficulty sleeping or nighttime anxiety can also be early indicators, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.