Sudden stabbing pain in your chest, jaw, or a tight squeezing sensation? Many women brush these off, thinking, "It can't be a heart attack— not me." But recognizing the signs early can save your life.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when a coronary artery branch blocks, cutting off oxygen to part of the heart muscle, causing tissue death. Women are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms differ from men's. Jaw pain, upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting can mask classic chest tightness, leading to referrals for gastrointestinal issues or even stroke misdiagnosis.
Women tend to rationalize symptoms longer than men, delaying critical care. Men usually seek help faster. Thankfully, updated guidelines are raising awareness of women's unique signs.
Not all women face equal risk. Cardiologist Angela Maas, a leading expert in women's heart health, notes: "Women with a history of preeclampsia are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack. Pregnancy acts as a stress test for future cardiovascular risk—with nearly half developing high blood pressure by age 40, potentially triggering a heart attack within a decade."
Common heart attack signs in women include:
Want tips for a healthy heart and how stress impacts it? See pages 28-31 in the October issue of Santé.
Text: Loes van de Mosselaar, Santé 10 | Images: Getty Images
