Medically reviewed by Amala Chirumamilla, MD

Between work, family and caregiving, many women dismiss early warning signs that something may be wrong with their heart. Symptoms of heart disease look different in women than men, often resulting in overlooked risk factors and missed diagnoses. Understanding how heart disease affects women specifically, and knowing when and where to seek care, can be lifesaving.

At WMCHealth, we approach women’s heart health with specialized expertise, advanced diagnostics and coordinated care designed to recognize these differences and respond early.

How Heart Disease Is Different in Women

While women share many of the same cardiovascular risk factors as men, the way heart disease develops and how symptoms appear can differ significantly.

Unique and heightened risk factors for women include:

• Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause
• Pregnancy-related conditions, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, which increase long-term heart risk
• Autoimmune diseases, which are more common in women and linked to higher cardiovascular risk
• Depression and chronic stress, which affect women at higher rates and influence heart health
• Family history of early heart disease, particularly in female relatives

These factors can accelerate cardiovascular disease even in women who otherwise consider themselves healthy.

Recognizing Symptoms That Are Sometimes Missed

One of the most dangerous misconceptions about heart disease is that it always looks the same. In women, symptoms are often subtler and may not involve classic chest pain.

Women experiencing a heart attack or other cardiac event may notice:

• Shortness of breath
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Nausea or lightheadedness
• Discomfort in the neck, jaw, back, or shoulders
• Pressure or tightness in the chest rather than sharp pain

Because these symptoms can be mistaken for stress, anxiety, or indigestion, many women delay seeking care. Recognizing these warning signs and taking them seriously is critical.

Why Early Screening and Advocacy Matter

Routine heart screenings help identify risk before symptoms appear. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels may change over time, especially around menopause. Women are encouraged to talk openly with their primary care providers about symptoms, family history, and life events such as pregnancy complications that may affect heart health.

Women’s Cardiac Care at WMCHealth 

WMCHealth offers comprehensive cardiovascular services designed to meet women’s unique needs, from prevention to advanced treatment. Care teams collaborate across specialties to ensure women receive personalized, evidence-based care at every stage of life.

WMCHealth’s women-focused cardiac care includes:

• Preventive cardiology and risk assessment, tailored to women’s health histories
• Advanced cardiac imaging and diagnostic testing to detect heart disease earlier
• Access to cardiologists with expertise in women’s heart health
• Integrated care coordination between primary care, cardiology and women’s health providers
• Support for lifestyle management, including guidance on nutrition, stress, and physical activity

For women requiring advanced intervention, WMCHealth provides state-of-the-art cardiac procedures and rehabilitation services within a unified health system. Schedule an appointment online with a WMCHealth cardiologist or call 866.WMC.HEART.