Many women may be ignoring early signs of a heart attack, mistaking them for minor issues like fatigue or indigestion, but according to Dr Adriano Dello Iacono, a cardiologist at Netcare Pinehaven and Netcare Olivedale hospitals, these symptoms can be serious and should never be ignored.

“There’s a widespread myth that heart disease is mainly a male problem,” says Iacono. “Even some doctors miss heart attacks in women because the symptoms can be different from the ‘classic’ chest pain.”
He explains that while women’s risk of heart disease increases after menopause, younger women are not safe either. “Heart attacks in women aged 35 to 54 are becoming more common. This is linked to modern habits like eating fast food, drinking energy drinks, and smoking.”

Read more: Heart attack – the big scare!

He warns that certain heart conditions, such as spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and broken heart syndrome, are more common in women, and may appear during pregnancy or times of extreme stress.

Warning signs in women include:

• Nausea or vomiting,
• Indigestion,
• Pain in the upper abdomen or lower chest,
• Sudden or unusual fatigue, or
• Pain in the upper back or left shoulder.

“Regular screening for blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels is key to preventing heart disease,” says Iacono. “Start healthy habits early: Eat well, stay active, avoid smoking, and manage conditions like diabetes and hypertension.”
For those recovering from a heart attack, rest, medication, a healthy diet, and stress management are vital. “If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked. Acting early could save your life.”

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