3. Chest Pressure or Discomfort
Chest discomfort, often described as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or aching, is a classic symptom of coronary artery disease caused by narrowed coronary arteries. This sensation, known as angina, typically arises during physical exertion or emotional stress when the heart muscle requires more oxygen than the narrowed arteries can supply.
Angina can be mild or severe and often improves with rest or nitroglycerin. However, it should never be ignored as it indicates underlying heart disease that may progress to a heart attack.
4. Breathlessness During Light Activity
Shortness of breath during activities such as climbing stairs or walking short distances, or even at rest, can signal that the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively due to blocked arteries. This symptom arises as the heart’s reduced output leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs and insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues.
Women may report this symptom more frequently and earlier than chest pain, making it an important early warning sign of coronary artery disease or heart failure.
5. Episodes of Dizziness or Nausea
Sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea without an obvious cause can indicate transient drops in blood flow to the brain or other organs. These symptoms often accompany cardiovascular issues such as arrhythmias or reduced cardiac output from blocked arteries.
Women are especially prone to experiencing these symptoms in the context of heart disease. Because they can be subtle and nonspecific, they commonly go unrecognized but should prompt medical evaluation if recurrent or worsening.
