Heart disease symptoms and indicators: An exploration of the body's warning signs
Heart disease is a silent condition that affects millions worldwide, and it's crucial to understand its symptoms, particularly as they differ between men and women.
Heart disease, a condition that affects the heart's functioning or blood flow, can be silent and not cause symptoms until complications arise. A heart attack, one of the potential complications, can present with various symptoms depending on the individual. While chest pain is often associated with heart attacks, women may experience atypical symptoms such as fatigue, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, and pain in unusual areas like the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Regular heart checkups are recommended, especially as people age, to identify any early signs of heart disease. Early diagnosis can help prevent heart disease from causing serious complications. However, research shows that women are more likely to present without typical chest pain, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment.
Men, on the other hand, typically present with "typical" chest pain, described as pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest, often radiating to the left arm or jaw.
Women's heart attack symptoms are often more subtle and easily misattributed to less serious conditions, such as stress or anxiety. This delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to worse outcomes.
Coronary artery disease (CAD), a form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), develops when substances build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. Symptoms may include chest pain, chest pain that radiates, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Its symptoms include fatigue, breathing difficulties, and swelling in the legs.
It's essential to be aware of these diverse, less obvious symptoms to ensure timely care. If you or someone you know is experiencing any signs and symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain, pain or discomfort in the upper arms, jaw, abdomen, back, or neck, sweating, nausea or vomiting, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
References:
- Hindustan Times (2025)
- PMC study (2025)
- Times of India (2025)
- We Care for Every Heartbeat (2025)
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