5. Pain in Other Parts of the Body – The Distracting Symptom
One of the trickier signs of heart disease in women is pain that appears in different parts of the body. Rather than the typical chest pain, women might feel discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. This pain might come and go, vary in intensity, and could even be mistaken for something else like a muscle strain or indigestion.
What makes this symptom challenging is that it can seem unrelated to the heart. The discomfort can be sharp, dull, or even just a sensation of pressure. It might not even be constant; it could come on suddenly or gradually, be intermittent, or persistently nagging.
Pain or discomfort in these areas can be a sign that the heart is not getting enough oxygen due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. The discomfort often originates from the chest and radiates to these areas, confusing the individual experiencing the symptoms.
Never ignore pain in any of these areas, especially if the discomfort is new, unexplained, or chronic. It’s crucial to get such symptoms evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider to rule out heart disease. (5)
