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When most people think of a heart attack, they often picture someone clutching their chest in sudden, severe pain. While chest pain remains a common warning sign, heart attacks do not always present in the same way, especially for women.

Greater awareness of these differences could help save lives.

Why Women May Experience Different Symptoms

Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms that can appear less obvious or be mistaken for other health conditions. This is particularly important during perimenopause and menopause, when hormonal changes can cause symptoms such as palpitations, anxiety, hot flushes and sleep disturbances.

Because these symptoms are often associated with menopause, there is a risk that warning signs of heart disease or a heart attack may be overlooked or dismissed.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Women may experience:

• Unusual or overwhelming fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the jaw, neck, back or shoulders
• Indigestion or a burning sensation in the chest
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Cold sweats
• A racing or irregular heartbeat
• Chest discomfort, tightness or pressure rather than severe chest pain

Unlike the dramatic symptoms often shown in films and television, these signs can develop gradually and may not immediately feel serious. As a result, many women delay seeking medical help, increasing the risk of complications.

How Symptoms Often Differ in Men

Men are more likely to experience the classic symptoms associated with a heart attack, including:

• Sudden chest pain or pressure
• Pain spreading to the left arm
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Feeling light-headed or faint

Although men can also experience some of the less typical symptoms, the more recognisable presentation means they are often quicker to identify that something may be wrong.

Menopause and Heart Health

The transition through perimenopause and menopause is also a time when a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease begins to increase.

Changes in oestrogen levels can affect:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Blood sugar regulation
• The health and function of blood vessels

This makes midlife an important opportunity to review heart health, attend routine health checks and discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.

Don’t Assume It’s “Just Menopause”

While menopausal symptoms are common, it is important not to assume that every episode of breathlessness, chest discomfort or palpitations is hormone-related.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent chest discomfort or pressure
• Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
• Severe breathlessness
• Fainting or collapse
• Palpitations that do not settle

Only a medical assessment can determine whether symptoms are related to menopause, a heart condition or another health issue.

Raising Awareness Saves Lives

Public awareness campaigns have significantly improved recognition of breast cancer and stroke symptoms. We now need the same level of awareness around women’s heart health.

Recognising the signs early can lead to faster diagnosis, earlier treatment and better outcomes.

Know the signs. Trust your instincts. Don’t ignore what your heart may be trying to tell you.

If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 999 immediately.

Why this matters

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death for women, yet many women are unaware that their symptoms may differ from those experienced by men. By sharing information and encouraging conversations about heart health, we can help our communities stay informed, seek help sooner and potentially save lives.