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When most people think of a heart attack, they imagine sudden chest pain and dramatic collapse. But for many women, a heart attack doesn’t come with obvious symptoms. Instead, they manifest silently through symptoms like stress, flu, acidity or extreme tiredness. This is why heart attacks are often called silent and, unfortunately, are often missed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases cause approximately 17.9 million deaths globally each year, making them the leading cause of death worldwide. Yet, there is less awareness about how heart attacks affect women differently. Because symptoms are subtle and often atypical, many women delay seeking medical help.
7 signs of a silent heart attack that women should never ignore
1. Pain in jaw, neck or shoulder
Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulders or upper back, especially without chest pain, is a commonly overlooked symptom in women. The American Heart Association says that this pain can feel like light, heavy or pressure and is often confused with strain or muscle strain.
2. Abnormal or excessive fatigue
“Sudden, unexplained fatigue that feels overwhelming, even after adequate rest, can be an early warning sign,” explains Dr. (Professor) Purushottam Lal, Director-Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman, Metro Group of Hospitals. Health shots. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that extreme fatigue occurs for no apparent reason a few days or even weeks before a heart attack.
3. Trouble breathing
Shortness of breath while resting, talking, or doing simple activities may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart. This symptom is often seen in anxiety, asthma or seasonal infections.
4. Nausea, indigestion or stomach pain
According to the Mayo Clinic, women having a heart attack may experience nausea, bloating, vomiting or upper abdominal discomfort. These symptoms are often confused with acidity, food poisoning or flu.
5. Cold sweat or dizziness
Dr. Purshottam explains, “Cold sweat without exertion, dizziness or sudden lightheadedness may indicate a drop in blood pressure due to cardiovascular problems. These symptoms should raise immediate concern.”
6. Sleep disturbance and anxiety
Difficulty sleeping, unexplained anxiety at night, or feeling short of breath upon waking can be subtle early signs of heart trouble, especially in women with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
7. Mild or no chest pain
“Contrary to popular belief, women may experience little or no chest pain during a heart attack,” says Dr. Purshotam. When present, it may feel like stiffness, pressure, or discomfort rather than sharp pain.
when to seek help
If these symptoms appear suddenly, seem unusual, or worsen over time, it is important to seek immediate medical care. Early treatment significantly reduces heart damage and improves survival rates.
(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you have about any medical condition.)
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