The overlooked signs: heart disease symptoms women often ignore

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet its warning signs often go unnoticed. Nausea, fatigue and dizziness are some of the subtle, easily missed symptoms that can signal serious heart health risks. We urge women to recognize these signs and take action before it’s too late.

By Carol Gemayel-Barra, MD, Director of the Women’s Cardiac and Heart Failure Program at Danbury Hospital

Heart disease is a major health concern for women worldwide, yet many women don't recognize the signs until it's too late. Unlike the dramatic portrayals of heart attacks in movies — clutching the chest, gasping for air — many heart-related symptoms in women can be subtler and easier to dismiss. These ignored signals can lead to delayed treatment, which can be life-threatening. Here's a closer look at the symptoms women often overlook.

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Unusual fatigue can be a sign of heart disease in women

Feeling tired after a long day is common. But persistent, unexplained fatigue could be a red flag about your heart health. Women may attribute this to a busy schedule, stress or lack of sleep. But in some cases, it could be an early sign of heart trouble. If you find yourself excessively tired, even after adequate rest, it's worth investigating.

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Shortness of breath and cardiac concerns in women 

Shortness of breath can occur for many reasons, including physical activity, anxiety or a pulmonary condition, like asthma. But persistent shortness of breath could indicate your heart is not pumping blood and oxygen throughout your body effectively. 

Women may notice difficulty catching their breath during activities that used to be easy, such as climbing stairs or even simply doing dishes or folding laundry. If you regularly get short breath outside of exercising, especially if you have other symptoms of heart disease, it’s time to consult a doctor.

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Jaw, neck or back pain are red flags for heart disease in women

Heart-related pain doesn’t always manifest in the chest. Women are more likely than men to experience discomfort in areas like the jaw, neck or back. This type of pain can be mistaken for dental issues or muscle strain but could signify heart trouble, especially if it occurs suddenly or during physical activity.

Your gut and heart disease: Pay attention to nausea or digestive upset

Upset stomach, nausea or vomiting might seem unrelated to heart health, yet they can be symptoms of a heart attack in women. Many women mistake these for food poisoning or digestive issues, but when combined with other symptoms, like excessive sweating and chest discomfort, they warrant attention.

Relater content: Heartburn or heart attack? Symptoms explained

If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 right away. Time is heart muscle and the faster you get emergency care, the greater the chances of saving your heart and life.

Video: Time is muscle — Heart attack treatment from emergency care to recovery 

Heart disease in women may cause dizziness or lightheadedness

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded can often be attributed to dehydration, skipping meals or standing up too quickly. However, these sensations might be linked to poor blood flow caused by heart problems. Don’t brush off regular episodes of dizziness without considering heart health.

Signs of heart problems in women could be swelling in the legs, ankles or feet

Edema, or swelling in the lower extremities (legs, ankles or feet), can occur due to fluid retention caused by poor circulation, which may signal heart problems. This symptom often gets dismissed as standing for too long or wearing tight shoes but can be indicative of heart failure. 

Chest discomfort in women

While chest pain is the classic heart attack symptom, many women experience milder forms of chest discomfort, such as pressure, squeezing or fullness. This can be mistaken for indigestion or stress, but any chest discomfort should be evaluated promptly. 

Why awareness about heart disease symptoms in women matters

Women often put their health on the back burner, prioritizing work, family or caregiving. But you matter! Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women, and it can be preventable through early detection, lifestyle changes and timely medical intervention.

While every woman should pay attention to the above signs of heart disease, pay particular attention if you have these risk factors:

• Family history of heart disease or heart attacks
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoke
• Heavy alcohol drinker

Learn more about risk factors for heart disease.

Post-menopausal women should also pay special attention to their heart and signs of possible health concerns because of the lack of estrogen, which can protect against heart disease before menopause.

Related content: Your heart on menopause

The bottom line: Ladies, love your heart by paying attention to these signs of heart disease. If you notice any of them, take them seriously. Speak with a healthcare professional and advocate for your health. Routine check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being aware of your personal risk factors can make all the difference.

Your heart deserves as much care and attention as you give to others. Listen to it — it could save your life.

Learn more about preventive cardiology at Nuvance Health