Heart attack symptoms women miss: Tiredness, nausea, anxiety, and more

Causes of heart attack in women: The study identified several key risk factors commonly seen among Indian women, including high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), low HDL (good cholesterol), diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and a family history of heart disease (Image: Canva)

Heart disease occurs when the heart doesn’t get enough blood due to blocked or narrowed arteries. It slows down the oxygen supply, making the heart work harder and putting the body at risk, often without clear warning signs. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among women in India, yet it’s still surrounded by myths and misunderstanding.

Unlike men, women’s heart problems often arise silently and later in life, commonly after menopause, suggests a study conducted at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai. The study, led by Dr Salil Shirodkar, explores  how women’s symptoms and risks differ, and why that matters.

Speaking about heart disease in women, Dr Shirodkar says, “The hormonal protection from oestrogen wears off after menopause, placing women at increasing risk between the ages of 60 and 80. But the bigger concern is how their symptoms are frequently atypical and often ignored, even by doctors.”

Also read | Causes of heart attacks: 5 main reasons for heart diseases in young adults, and how to fight back

He adds that the symptoms can be similar to everyday issues, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment.

During their research, the team found that most women didn’t show textbook signs of a heart attack: the crushing chest pain. “Instead, many complained of shortness of breath, tiredness, nausea, and even pain in the shoulders or back. We observed that women are more likely to experience unstable angina or NSTEMI, a subtler form of heart attack that doesn't always show up clearly on standard tests,” Dr Shirodkar explains.

Additionally, many diagnostic tools are designed with men in mind. “Stress tests and echocardiography can sometimes miss signs in women, giving false reassurance. That’s why coronary angiography becomes essential in these cases. It gives a clear picture of blockages. Interestingly, in most women, we found blockages in just one artery—contrary to the belief that multiple arteries are usually affected,” says Dr Shirodkar.

Also read | Heart attack, heart failure risk: 4 symptoms athletes, bodybuilders should never ignore

Common risk factors that are often overlooked:

The study identified several key risk factors commonly seen among Indian women, including high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), low HDL (good cholesterol), diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and a family history of heart disease. “These risks are often taken easy, particularly in younger women, due to the widespread assumption that they are naturally protected until menopause. Unfortunately, these risks are often underplayed, especially in younger women. Many tend to assume they’re protected until menopause, which delays critical prevention strategies,” cautions  Dr Shirodkar.

Symptoms mistaken for less serious issues:

Many women and even doctors dismiss early symptoms as acidity, anxiety, or stress. “This misunderstanding delays care. More awareness is required.about how differently heart disease shows up in women,” Dr. Shirodkar adds.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.