Cardiologist reveals four subtle signs of a heart attack that women often miss

Over 60 million women in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. In 2023, it was the cause of death of 304,970 women, 1 in every 5. However, only 56% of US women recognise heart disease as their number one killer, as per a 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Women, who are too busy looking after their family and loved ones and completing the never-ending list of tasks, often end up ignoring signs of damaged heart health and even a heart attack. Now, a doctor has shared four subtle signs that could signal a heart attack in women.

Kunal Sood, a double-board certified MD, who boasts a following of 2.1M on Instagram recently shared a video on the social media app with the caption: " Did you know? Heart attacks in women often come with unique, subtle signs you might overlook! 💓 Unlike the dramatic “chest-clutching” moments we see in movies, real-life symptoms in women can be far more quiet, yet just as serious."

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What are these signs? Find out below!

Pressure or pain in the chest


One of the most common signs of a heart attack is sudden pressure or pain in the chest. This might feel like squeezing or fullness in the centre of the chest.

Discomfort in the upper areas of the body


Not just the chest, pain in other body parts such as one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or even the stomach could be signalling a problem in the heart.

Shortness of breath
This is one symptom that might be experienced without the chest pain or with it.

Cold sweats, nausea or dizziness


While these symptoms could feel like you've caught the flu, if they appear out of nowhere they could very well be a red signal for a heart attack.

"For many women, these symptoms are subtle. It might feel like acid reflux, the flu, or simply “getting older,” which is why it’s crucial to listen to your body and take these signs seriously," added the doctor in the caption.

Is the doctor correct?


The symptoms suggested by the doctor are absolutely correct. According to a report by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute , women are more likely to experience heart attack symptoms such as Pain in the shoulder, back, or arm, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness and weakness, upset stomach, and anxiety.