Heart attacks in women can show up very differently than in men, often in subtle ways that are easy to ignore. Cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov shared on Instagram that many women experience symptoms that don’t look like traditional heart attacks, which can delay treatment and put lives at risk.
Dr. Yaranov explained that during his practice, he has seen women with symptoms such as nausea, back or jaw pain, sudden fatigue, and shortness of breath. “Symptoms in women can be subtle, making it easy to think it’s just stress or something minor. But many times, these signs are actually early warnings of a heart attack,” he said.
He emphasized that listening to your body is important. “Don’t wait until it’s an emergency—trust your instincts and take action. Early recognition is key, and increasing awareness about women’s heart health can save lives,” Dr. Yaranov added.
Women may experience extreme fatigue, as if they have run a marathon without exertion. Shortness of breath may occur even without physical activity. Pain can appear in unexpected areas such as the back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or stomach. Some women may feel lightheaded, nauseated, or have headaches.
A real-life example shared in the video showed a woman who experienced symptoms for two weeks before her heart attack. She reported right shoulder pain, stomach pain, back pain, and headaches. Only on the day of her heart attack did she feel jaw pain and tingling in her left arm.
Dr. Yaranov urges women to pay attention to these warning signs. Even if symptoms seem minor, medical attention should be sought immediately. Early detection and quick treatment are crucial in preventing serious complications from heart attacks.
In short, women’s heart attack symptoms are often different from men’s and can be easy to overlook. By recognizing subtle signs like unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain in uncommon areas, women can protect themselves and seek timely care, potentially saving lives.
