New Delhi: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, yet its symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for less serious conditions. Unlike men, who commonly experience crushing chest pain, women often present with subtler, atypical symptoms that can go unrecognized. Understanding these warning signs is crucial for early detection and treatment. Dr Bhushan Bari, Consultant Cardiologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, in interaction with News9Live, listed some of the best ways to spot heart diseases in women.
- Unusual Fatigue: Extreme tiredness that isn’t relieved by rest can be an early sign of heart trouble. If you find yourself exhausted after simple activities or feeling fatigued without a clear reason, it could be a red flag.
- Shortness of Breath: Feeling winded after minimal exertion or struggling to catch your breath while at rest could indicate an underlying heart issue. This can sometimes be mistaken for anxiety or respiratory problems.
- Chest Discomfort: While women can experience classic chest pain, they are more likely to describe it as pressure, squeezing, or discomfort rather than sharp pain. It may also come and go rather than being constant.
- Pain in the Neck, Jaw, Back, or Shoulder: Women often feel heart-related discomfort in areas beyond the chest, such as the neck, jaw, upper back, or shoulders. This pain can be sudden, sharp, or persistent and is sometimes mistaken for muscle strain or stress-related tension.
- Nausea, Indigestion, or Stomach Pain: Many women mistake heart attack symptoms for gastrointestinal issues. Persistent nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or a heavy feeling in the stomach—especially when accompanied by other symptoms—should not be ignored.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: A sudden feeling of faintness, dizziness, or a sensation of nearly passing out can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the brain, often linked to heart problems.
- Cold Sweats: Breaking out in a cold sweat without exertion is another warning sign. Many women describe it as an unexplained, clammy feeling, sometimes mistaken for a hot flash or anxiety.
- Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet: Fluid retention can indicate that the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, leading to swelling in the lower extremities. This symptom may gradually worsen over time.
When to Seek Help
If you experience any of these symptoms—especially more than one at a time—don’t ignore them. Call emergency services or seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can be life-saving.
- Prevention and Heart Health
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Manage stress through mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation techniques.
- Get regular check-ups and monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
- Women’s heart symptoms are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, making awareness essential. Recognizing these signs and taking action can save lives. Prioritize your heart health—it’s your most vital organ.
Feeling winded after minimal exertion or struggling to catch your breath while at rest could indicate an underlying heart issue. This can sometimes be mistaken for anxiety or respiratory problems. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
