Heart disease is often thought of as a “men’s health issue,” but it’s actually one of the leading causes of death for women in Canada. The challenge? Many women don’t experience heart symptoms the way we expect, and that can delay diagnosis and treatment.
February is Heart Month, and with Wear Red Canada Day on February 13, it’s a timely reminder that women’s heart health deserves attention. At Advanced Respiratory Care Network (ARC Network), we regularly see women who knew something felt off but weren’t sure if it was serious enough to get checked.
If you’ve ever brushed off symptoms as stress, aging, or being “just tired,” this guide is for you.
Why Heart Symptoms Can Look Different in Women
When most people picture a heart attack, they imagine sudden, crushing chest pain. While that can happen, many women experience subtle or atypical symptoms instead.
There are several reasons for this:
- Women are more likely to develop microvascular disease, which affects smaller blood vessels
- Hormonal changes (especially around menopause) can influence heart health
- Symptoms may develop gradually rather than suddenly
- Women are more likely to attribute symptoms to stress, anxiety, or lack of sleep
Because of this, women often wait longer to seek care, not because symptoms aren’t there, but because they don’t fit the “classic” picture.
7 Heart Symptoms Women Often Miss
Here are some of the most commonly overlooked heart-related symptoms in women. On their own, they may seem harmless, but patterns and persistence matter.
1. Unusual or Extreme Fatigue
This isn’t just feeling tired after a long day. Heart-related fatigue often feels:
- Sudden or unexplained
- Out of proportion to your activity
- Worse with physical effort
- Persistent, even after rest
Many women report extreme fatigue days or weeks before a cardiac event.
2. Shortness of Breath
You may notice:
- Feeling winded climbing stairs
- Needing to stop during a normal walk
- Difficulty catching your breath when lying flat
Shortness of breath can signal that your heart isn’t pumping efficiently or that fluid is affecting the lungs.
3. Chest Discomfort (Not Always “Pain”)
Women may describe chest symptoms as:
- Pressure or heaviness
- Tightness
- Burning or aching
- A squeezing sensation
It may come and go, and it’s not always severe.
4. Jaw, Neck, Shoulder, or Upper Back Pain
Pain that:
- Appears without injury
- Radiates or feels deep
- Comes with fatigue or breathlessness
This type of discomfort is more common in women than men during heart events.
5. Nausea, Indigestion, or Stomach Pain
Heart symptoms can mimic digestive issues, including:
- Upset stomach
- Heartburn
- Vomiting
If these symptoms appear alongside fatigue or chest discomfort, they shouldn’t be ignored.
6. Dizziness or Light-Headedness
Feeling faint, unsteady, or unusually weak can be linked to changes in blood flow or heart rhythm.
7. Sleep Issues or Waking Short of Breath
Poor sleep, frequent waking, or waking up gasping for air may be related to sleep apnea, which is closely connected to heart disease, and often underdiagnosed in women.
When It’s Time to Get Checked
You don’t need to experience every symptom on this list to seek care. It’s worth talking to a health-care professional if you notice:
- Symptoms lasting more than a few days
- Symptoms that worsen with activity
- Fatigue that interferes with daily life
- New or unexplained shortness of breath
- A family history of heart disease
- Existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Chest pressure or pain with shortness of breath
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back
- Sudden dizziness, fainting, or nausea
Trust your instincts. You know your body best.
The Overlooked Link Between Sleep, Breathing, and Heart Health
Many women are surprised to learn how closely sleep and breathing issues are connected to heart disease.
Sleep apnea, for example, often presents differently in women. Instead of loud snoring, women may experience:
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue
- Anxiety or low mood
Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart rhythm problems
- Stroke
- Heart disease
At ARC Network, sleep testing and respiratory diagnostics are often an important part of understanding unexplained fatigue, breathlessness, or cardiovascular strain.
How ARC Network Supports Women’s Heart Health
ARC Network provides integrated heart, lung, and sleep diagnostics across Alberta, helping women get answers without unnecessary delays.
Our services include:
- Cardiology consultations and diagnostics
- Pulmonary function testing (PFTs)
- Respiratory assessments
- Sleep testing and CPAP support
By looking at how the heart, lungs, and sleep all interact, we can help identify underlying issues earlier, when treatment and lifestyle changes can make the biggest impact.
Heart Month Is a Reminder to Put Yourself First
Heart Month, and Wear Red Canada Day on February 13, isn’t just about awareness. It’s about action.
Women are often caregivers, problem-solvers, and multitaskers. But taking care of your own health isn’t selfish — it’s necessary.
If something feels off, you’re not “overreacting” by getting it checked. You’re being proactive.
Your Symptoms Matter
Heart symptoms in women don’t always follow the textbook. Fatigue, breathlessness, sleep problems, or vague discomfort can all be important signals, especially when they persist.
Getting clarity now can help prevent more serious issues later.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or want peace of mind, ARC Network is here to help with trusted diagnostics, compassionate care, and locations across Alberta.
Contact Us for a Cardiology Consultation Today