Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women—yet many still believe it primarily affects men? This dangerous misconception delays life-saving treatment, as women’s heart attack symptoms often appear very differently than men’s.
Unlike men, who typically feel intense chest pain, women may experience subtle but equally dangerous warning signs like unusual fatigue that lasts for days or weeks, jaw, neck, or upper back pain, shortness of breath even without exertion, and nausea or dizziness mistaken for digestive issues.
Recognising these unique symptoms can mean the difference between an early intervention and a life-threatening event.
Women’s heart disease symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Pregnancy complications (like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes) and menopause increase heart disease risks. Women are less likely to receive CPR in public emergencies, making awareness even more critical. Misdiagnosis is common, as women’s symptoms may mimic indigestion, stress, or anxiety rather than classic chest pain.
Knowing how symptoms differ between men and women empowers women to take charge of their heart health early.
In the UAE, where rising obesity and diabetes rates put more women at risk of cardiovascular disease, hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Heart Centre emphasise regular screenings and early symptom recognition as essential for prevention.
Studies indicate that less than 61% of women receive CPR in public emergencies compared to men due to missed or unrecognised symptoms. Additionally, women with heart disease are more likely to be misdiagnosed than men.
This blog explores how heart disease symptoms in women differ from men, highlighting unique warning signs, risk factors, and why early detection is crucial for women’s heart health.
Key Differences in Heart Disease Symptoms Between Women and Men
Heart disease symptoms can feel different for women and men. Women often experience signs that are less obvious, making them harder to spot early.
Subtle chest discomfort vs crushing chest pain
Women often feel subtle chest discomfort during a heart attack. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, or tightness. This discomfort can spread to the jaw, neck, shoulder, or upper back.
Men usually report crushing chest pain that is sharp and intense.
These milder symptoms in women make diagnosis harder. Many mistake them for heartburn or stress. Studies show less than 61% of women receive CPR in public emergencies compared to men.
Early recognition of this difference could save lives and improve outcomes for heart disease in women.
Symptoms like jaw pain, nausea, and fatigue in women
Jaw pain, nausea, and fatigue can signal heart disease in women. Pain may spread to the jaw or neck instead of causing intense chest pains. Fatigue often feels extreme, leaving some unable to complete daily tasks.
These symptoms might mimic indigestion or stress-related issues, confusing many.
Shortness of breath and cold sweats may also appear alongside these signs. Symptoms are subtle yet dangerous if ignored. Fainting or lightheadedness can point to serious cardiovascular problems too.
Recognising these early signs helps avoid severe complications like a silent heart attack or coronary artery disease.
Unique Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Women
Hormonal shifts during menopause can raise heart risks. Complications in pregnancy, like high blood pressure or diabetes, may also harm heart health.
Hormonal changes and pregnancy-related complications
Oestrogen drops after menopause. This increases risks of coronary artery disease and high blood pressure in women. Early menopause, especially before 40 due to surgeries like hysterectomy, raises dangers even more.
Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes double the chance of heart attacks later. Around 30% of pregnancies face these issues. Regular checks for cholesterol and sugar levels can spot problems early.
Importance of Recognising Gender-Specific Symptoms
Ignoring gender-specific symptoms can delay treatment for cardiovascular disease in women. Many still believe heart attack symptoms only include chest pain, but women often experience subtle signs like fatigue, nausea, or jaw pain.
Misdiagnosis is common due to these overlooked cues.
This lack of awareness increases risks as conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes progress. Women’s bodies may also react differently during heart attacks or coronary artery spasms, making prompt care vital.
Early recognition saves lives and improves cardiovascular health outcomes for many women globally.
Conclusion
Heart disease in women often goes unnoticed due to milder symptoms. Chest pain may feel more like pressure, and other signs include nausea or back pain. Recognising these different symptoms can save lives.
Early action—through healthy diets, moderate exercise, and regular check-ups—reduces risks. Prioritise awareness, and take steps to protect your heart today!
Also, Read:
FAQs for Heart Disease Symptoms in Women vs. Men
Dr. Aisha Rahman is a board-certified internal medicine specialist with over 12 years of clinical experience in chronic disease management and preventive healthcare. She has worked at leading hospitals across the UAE, helping patients manage conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
A strong advocate for preventive medicine, Dr. Rahman emphasizes early diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and patient education to reduce chronic illness risks. She is an active member of the Emirates Medical Association and has contributed to health awareness programs and medical research initiatives. Her expertise has been featured in The National UAE, Gulf Health Magazine, and leading medical journals. As a keynote speaker at healthcare conferences, she shares insights on evidence-based treatments, patient-centered care, and advancements in internal medicine.