Why are heart attacks in women more likely to be missed?

Dr. Krishan explains that the reality is women often don't get the classic heart attack symptoms, and this is one of the reasons why heart attacks in women are more likely to be missed.

How can people recognize the signs of a heart attack in women?

The doctor advises that people should not downplay any symptoms and should listen to their body, as you are better off acting on the signs before it's too late. Timing is crucial when it comes to heart attacks.

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Doctor Warns: Women's Heart Attack Symptoms Often Missed

Q: What are the common heart attack symptoms in women?

According to Dr. Punam Krishan, women may experience small chest pain or pressure, sudden exhaustion, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back, rather than the classic chest pain and arm discomfort.

24 Aug

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Summary

Heart disease is the top killer in the UK
Women's heart attack symptoms differ from men's
Symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and back pain can be overlooked

Doctor Warns: Women's Heart Attack Symptoms Often Missed

On 2025-08-24T12:31:54+00:00, a doctor issued a critical warning about the often-overlooked signs of heart attacks in women. According to Dr. Punam Krishan, an NHS doctor with over 20 years of experience, heart disease is the number one killer in the UK, but the classic symptoms associated with heart attacks, such as chest pain and arm discomfort, are not always present in women.

The doctor noted that women frequently experience different symptoms, including small chest pain or pressure, sudden exhaustion, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back. These signs are often missed or downplayed, leading to delayed treatment and potentially fatal consequences.

Dr. Krishan emphasized that timing is crucial when it comes to heart attacks, and she urged people to listen to their bodies and not ignore any warning signs, no matter how subtle. The NHS has also taken to social media to raise awareness about the distinction between heart attacks and cardiac arrests, and the appropriate actions to take in each scenario.

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