Women's heart disease presents differently — know the unique signs and risk factors.
While men typically experience crushing chest pain, women's heart attack symptoms are often subtler: unusual fatigue (days to weeks before), shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, back or jaw pain, dizziness, and cold sweats. Many women mistake these for flu or stress.
Early menopause (before 45), pregnancy complications (pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes), PCOS, autoimmune conditions (more common in women), and emotional stress/depression all increase heart disease risk. Hormonal changes after menopause accelerate cardiovascular ageing.
Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar), don't smoke, maintain a healthy weight, exercise 150+ minutes per week, eat a Mediterranean-style diet, manage stress, and get regular check-ups. Women who have had pregnancy complications should inform their GP.
If you experience sudden chest pressure/pain, severe shortness of breath, pain radiating to jaw/back/arm, cold sweats, or severe unexplained fatigue — call 10177 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Don't delay — every minute matters.