9. Discomfort or Pain in Other Parts of the Body – The Radiating Ripples of Heart Trouble
The ninth symptom on our list is one that many might not associate with heart problems, but it’s a vital sign to be aware of – discomfort or pain in other parts of the body. Most people are aware of the stereotypical chest pain often depicted in movies as a sign of a heart attack. However, for many women, pain or discomfort might not necessarily be felt in the chest.
Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms other than chest pain, particularly during a heart attack. This discomfort can be felt in either or both arms, the jaw, neck, shoulders, or upper back. It might feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. In some cases, it could even be mistaken for indigestion.
The reason for this discomfort in areas other than the chest is due to a phenomenon known as referred pain. This occurs when pain signals from the heart are sensed in a different area of the body due to the complex network of sensory nerves.
If you’re experiencing unexplained, persistent, or recurrent discomfort in any of these areas, particularly if it’s associated with exertion or stress, it’s essential to get it checked out promptly. This is especially true if you have other heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. (9)
