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.

When these symptoms appear suddenly, feel unusual, or worsen, it is vital to seek immediate medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment are paramount in reducing heart damage and improving survival rates, underscoring the importance of understanding these less obvious warning signals.