After surviving a heart attack at just 37, SSM Health cardiology provider Ashley Hofer, NP, understands all too well how easy it is to second-guess your symptoms.
So, for National Wear Red Day for women’s heart health awareness, which is Friday, February 6, she’s urging women to know their risk factors.
“It felt like an elephant sitting on my chest,” said Hofer, who practices at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Exhausted from a 70-hour workweek, she brushed it off. As the pain traveled to her shoulder and arm, she still debated going to the emergency room, worrying she was “making a big deal out of nothing.”
This type of hesitation is common among women, Hofer says. But symptoms that come and go, worsen, or feel unfamiliar should never be ignored.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Nearly half of all women live with some form of cardiovascular disease, often while juggling careers, caregiving, family responsibilities, and the constant pressure to “do it all.” These stressors can take a silent toll on your heart, Hofer says.
Women also face a unique challenge: heart attacks in women often look and feel different than they do in men, which means symptoms are more likely to be overlooked or dismissed. Understanding these differences can save lives, including your own.
Why women’s heart attack symptoms can look different
According to Hofer, women often experience less obvious symptoms during a heart attack. While traditional symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating do occur, women commonly experience:
- Acid reflux or indigestion-like discomfort
- Upper back pain
- Jaw, neck, or even tooth pain
- Pain that comes and goes
- Subtle discomfort rather than sharp pain
These signs are easy to downplay, especially for busy women who are used to pushing through fatigue and stress, she says.
Symptoms of a heart attack in women
Below are the most common symptoms listed by Go Red for Women and echoed by SSM Health providers.
1. Chest pain or pressure
- May feel like squeezing, fullness, or tightness
- Can be mild, sharp, or feel like indigestion
- Does not have to be severe to be a heart attack
2. Shortness of breath
- May occur with or without chest pain
- Can feel like you suddenly can’t catch your breath doing simple activities
3. Pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Women especially may experience back, jaw, or tooth pain
- Pain may be gradual or sudden
- Pain may come and go
4. Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats
- Often mistaken for flu, food poisoning, or stress
- Feeling faint or woozy can be an early warning sign
5. Unusual and extreme fatigue
- Feeling unusually tired days or even weeks before a heart attack
- Sudden exhaustion that is out of proportion to your activity level
6. A sense that “something isn’t right”
Many women report a sudden feeling of doom, anxiety, or internal alarm. Trust this feeling; it is a powerful signal.
When to call 911
You should seek immediate emergency care if you experience:
- Chest pressure that lasts more than a few minutes
- Pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, back, jaw, or neck
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden dizziness, nausea, or cold sweats
- Worsening discomfort that does not improve with rest
Never wait to see if symptoms will “just go away.”
Take charge of your heart health
Heart disease is often preventable. Regular wellness visits, knowing your numbers, and understanding your risk factors are all key to protecting your heart.
This National Wear Red Day, take a moment and check your risk with our quick Heart Health Assessment.
If something feels off, listen.
Your heart is worth your attention.
