8. Lightheadedness or Dizziness – Subtle yet Significant
Lightheadedness or dizziness might not be the first symptoms that come to mind when thinking about heart disease, yet they are often experienced by women with heart conditions. These symptoms can be the result of the heart not being able to pump enough to meet the body’s needs, resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain and causing feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.
These symptoms may present as a feeling of unsteadiness, a sensation of spinning, or feeling faint. You might experience these symptoms while standing up too quickly, which could indicate a condition called orthostatic hypotension. However, if they occur frequently or without an apparent cause, they could be signaling an underlying heart issue.
It’s not uncommon for these symptoms to be accompanied by other signs of heart disease. For instance, you might feel dizzy or lightheaded in conjunction with breathlessness or chest discomfort. Such clusters of symptoms can help healthcare professionals arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
However, these symptoms are often overlooked or attributed to other causes such as dehydration or vertigo. While it’s true that lightheadedness and dizziness can have several causes, it’s crucial not to dismiss them prematurely. If you experience persistent or unexplained lightheadedness or dizziness, it’s important to seek medical advice. (8)
