Submitted by Suzie Jeffreys, Owner, LivingFitnessRX

In the U.S., heart disease (HD) is the leading cause of death in women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HD was responsible for the deaths of 310,661 (1 in 5) women in 2021. Despite these statistics, a survey by the American Heart Association (AHA) revealed that only 44% of respondents were aware that HD is the leading cause of death for women. Thankfully, AHA’s Go Red for Women and the Women’s Heart Alliance are playing a crucial role in spreading awareness.

One of the challenges lies in recognizing symptoms, as they can manifest differently in women compared to men. The misconception that HD primarily affects men still exists, which is why symptoms in women can be overlooked or misdiagnosed. Symptoms such as unusual fatigue, nausea, and weakness may last for days and be mistaken for the flu. Vague symptoms may be the ONLY symptoms of a heart attack and can lead women to dismiss these serious signs.

What I share is meant to amplify the more unique signs and symptoms and show how the “classic” symptoms are not cut and dry for women. Women should pay attention to the following symptoms: fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain or heartburn, dizziness with or without palpitations, upper back pressure, and jaw or chest pain.

• Fatigue is often dismissed as a result of a busy lifestyle but could be an early sign that there isn’t enough blood flow to the heart, or the heart is not working efficiently.
• Shortness of Breath is usually associated with respiratory or lung issues, not the heart. A regular exercise routine or even climbing the stairs can be a good indicator. If either elicit unusual changes in breathing, there may be potential heart problems.
• Chest pain/heartburn usually signals indigestion but can be a sign of something more severe. The pain can indicate a reduced blood flow to the heart, also known as angina. If family pizza night was never an issue for you and suddenly is, take note.
• Dizziness/palpitations or feeling lightheaded, or nauseous can be signaling a change from a normal heart rhythm.
• Upper back pressure between the shoulder blades is another vague symptom. The pressure has been described as a squeezing or the sensation of a rope tied around the area by those who received early intervention.
• Jaw and back pain may mistakenly be attributed to a tooth issue or a muscle strain but can also be early signs that your heart is having problems.

Taken individually, these symptoms may not be alarming, but these are the subtle symptoms that women need to be aware of. Please share this information with your loved ones as it is often a family member or close friend who can connect the dots for you and suggest you be evaluated by a medical provider for your seemingly unrelated and vague symptoms.