Then came a day when exhaustion hit her hard. She struggled to catch her breath, and her body felt drained. Her husband, alarmed by her condition, insisted she go to the emergency room.

At Norton Brownsboro Hospital, Tammy underwent extensive testing. The diagnosis came as a shock: She was in advanced heart failure, and her heart was functioning at just 23% capacity.

“I remember asking my provider, Natalie, through tears, ‘Am I going to die?’” Tammy said. “She hugged me and told me the team at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute would do everything possible to save my life.”

‘Empowering women’

“Heart disease is the No.1 killer of women, yet too often the warning signs go unnoticed,” said Natalie K. Kendall, APRN, nurse practitioner with the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure & Recovery Program. “Our goal is to change that by educating, treating and empowering women like Tammy.”

While heart disease is often thought of as a men’s issue, it’s the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. Many women, like Tammy, don’t recognize the symptoms or believe they’re at risk — until it’s nearly too late.

Tammy spent several days in the hospital, closely monitored, while the heart failure team developed a personalized treatment plan. Along with medication, she needed to adopt lifestyle changes to support her recovery. The care didn’t stop when she left the hospital. The Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure & Recovery Program remained by her side — offering follow-up appointments, support calls and a direct line to heart failure specialists who knew her case inside and out.

“They treated me like family,” Tammy said. “I could call them anytime with questions or concerns, and they were always there for me with compassion and the best care.”

Today, Tammy’s heart is functioning at normal capacity — a remarkable and lifesaving improvement. She’s back to traveling, working full time and enjoying life with her husband and children.

Natalie knows that Tammy is just one example of what the team at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute can do.

“Heart failure recovery is possible. Our team proves it every day,” Natalie said. “We recover more than 60% of heart failure cases with medication when we can treat it early, whereas the national benchmark is only 10%.”

Beyond medication, even patients with advanced heart failure are finding they can recover enough to return to everyday activities, through ventricular assist devices that often make heart transplants unnecessary. The Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Advanced Heart Failure & Recovery Program offers a variety of treatment options based on a patient’s needs.

“I have a second chance,” Tammy said. “I wouldn’t be here today if I hadn’t gone to the hospital. I want people — especially women — to take their heart health seriously. If I can help save one person’s life by sharing my story, everything I went through will have been worth it.”

Now that Tammy is back at work, caring for her family members and travelling with her husband, next up is a bucket-list visit to Washington D.C. She plans to walk the entire city, take in historic sites and enjoy her time using her newfound strength.

The post Tammy’s story: A wake-up call about women’s heart health appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“If you have diabetes, you either need a cardiologist now or you likely will need one in the future,” said Catrina R. Hancock, PA-C, physician assistant with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “Diabetes has the potential to affect nearly every part of the body, but its impact on the heart is especially serious. The good news is that with proper cardiac care, we can significantly reduce your risk of heart complications.”

How diabetes causes heart disease

People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease and often have other conditions that increase heart disease risks: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney and liver disease, and obesity.

Diabetes affects how your body processes sugar. Over time, high blood sugar acts like sandpaper in your bloodstream, causing damage to arteries. High glucose levels can also cause inflammation throughout the body, making it easier for cholesterol to stick to artery walls and block blood flow to your heart.

Diabetes also can damage the nerves that control your heart rate and blood pressure. This condition, called diabetic neuropathy, can mask typical warning signs of heart issues. Diabetes-related heart damage often happens silently and slowly, making it difficult to detect without regular cardiac monitoring.

Symptoms of diabetes and heart disease

Not everyone with diabetes experiences clear warning signs of heart issues. While chest pain can still occur, many symptoms of diabetes with heart disease can be subtle or mistaken for fatigue, aging or other conditions.

Important symptoms to watch for include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with normal activities
• Chest discomfort, pressure or tightness
• Swelling in the feet, ankles or legs
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

If you have diabetes and are experiencing any of these symptoms, even occasionally, it’s time to talk to a cardiologist about your risks related to diabetes and heart disease.

Benefits of a cardiologist in diabetes care

Managing heart disease in people who have diabetes extends beyond glucose control. A cardiologist plays an essential role in identifying and helping to control silent cardiovascular risks before they can become major, life-threatening complications.

“Many patients don’t realize how significantly a cardiologist can enhance their overall diabetes management and provide peace of mind regarding their cardiovascular health,” Catrina said.

When you consult with a cardiologist at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, they will evaluate your cardiovascular health using advanced screenings, imaging and lab tests, specifically designed for diabetes patients.

More advanced diagnostic testing: Cardiologists use specialized tests that can detect cardiovascular issues before a person shows symptoms. These might include coronary artery calcium scoring, advanced lipid panels or cardiac imaging that can reveal early signs of heart disease in patients with diabetes.

Personalized treatment plans: Every person with diabetes has a unique risk profile. A cardiologist can develop a customized treatment plan that considers how long you’ve had diabetes, glycemic control, family history and other individual factors that influence cardiovascular disease development.

Based on your condition, a cardiologist may recommend:

• Medicine that protects the heart and complements your diabetes treatments
• Lifestyle modifications specifically designed to reduce your cardiovascular risk
• Regular monitoring with cardiac imaging or stress testing
• Blood pressure and cholesterol management to address risk factors
• Coordination with your diabetes care team for comprehensive treatment

With appropriate cardiac care, people living with diabetes can dramatically reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke or other long-term disability. Early detection and preventive treatment can minimize diabetes-related cardiovascular complications and improve your overall quality of life.

The post Diabetes and heart disease: Why you may need a cardiologist appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

On a typical Saturday in June 2024, he was playing basketball with his friends when he jumped up for a rebound. He then collapsed, not moving. Destany Balata, R.N., a nurse manager at Norton Hospital who happened to be watching the game, was at his side in seconds and began assessing Lance’s vital signs. His pulse began to fade, and she began CPR to restart his heart. Watching from the sidelines were Lance’s 12-year-old daughter and numerous others who began to pray.

An ambulance arrived 10 minutes later and transported Lance to Norton Audubon Hospital, where the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute team began assessing him.

Lance was 36 and very active — not your typical heart patient. Why would his heart stop?

“We don’t always know what causes an issue that makes the heart beat irregularly and even stop like Lance’s did,” said Kevin M. Thomas, M.D., electrophysiologist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “But in Lance’s situation, we knew we wanted to give him the tools to keep him active and prevent issues going forward.”

Lance became the first patient in Louisville to receive a new extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (EV-ICD), a device that operates similarly to traditional internal cardiac defibrillators but is not inserted directly into the heart. It is smaller than other devices, and the battery also sits on the side of the chest rather than near the collarbone, making it less visible. If the device detects an irregular heartbeat, it delivers a small electrical signal to the heart to correct it before delivering a full shock. All of these features are beneficial to a relatively young heart patient with an irregular heartbeat.

“I think that this is the future of device-based therapy — smaller devices that are outside of the veins and outside of the heart, but still give us the full capability to treat the patient the way that that the standard legacy pacemaker or defibrillator would have in the past,” Dr. Thomas said.

Now Lance is living with a new focus.

“Right after I received the ICD, I actually discovered how it worked,” Lance said. “I had another episode where I collapsed. The ICD shocked me and resuscitated me.

“While the doctors aren’t sure why my heart stopped, I’m not taking anything for granted. I am watching my blood pressure, taking my medication and sharing the message to everyone around me — our health is too valuable.”

The post New kind of internal defibrillator gives Louisville father a second chance at life appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

“Your heart works 24/7 to keep you going, so it’s worth taking some time to know some basics about your heart,” Dr. Zhou said. In a recent “Medical Minute” video, she explained that when it comes to heart health, some simple measurements provide crucial insights into cardiovascular function and heart disease risk that everyone can monitor.

Blood Pressure: Your Circulation’s Report Card

Blood pressure is fundamental to understanding cardiovascular health. “Blood pressure tells us how well your blood is moving from your heart to your arteries,” she notes. The ideal target number to aim for is less than 120 over 80.

The importance of monitoring this metric cannot be overstated, as “high blood pressure can quietly damage your heart and arteries” without obvious symptoms. Blood pressure is different from your heart rate, which measures how often your heart beats. Blood pressure measures how much force your blood pushes against blood vessels.

Cholesterol: Understanding Arterial Health

When discussing cholesterol, Dr. Zhou emphasized its connection to arterial wellness. “Cholesterol levels tell us about the health of your arteries,” she said. The recommended targets are clear: “Keep total cholesterol under 200 milligrams per deciliter. And LDL, the bad cholesterol, under 160 milligrams per deciliter.”

Blood Sugar: A Window Into Metabolic Health

Your blood glucose level provides another critical piece of the heart health puzzle. “Your blood sugar levels help us understand how much glucose is present in your blood,” Dr. Zhou said. She recommends that “fasting blood glucose should be under 126 milligram per deciliter,” warning that levels above this threshold could indicate increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Body Mass Index: Weight and Heart Health Connection

The final metric Dr. Zhou discusses is body mass index (BMI). “Your body mass index matters and tells us if your weight is healthy for your age and the body,” she explained. The healthy range she recommends is 18.5 to 24.9.

BMI considers your weight relative to your height. The basic formula is your body weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a simple online BMI calculator you can use.

The Bigger Picture

Dr. Zhou emphasized that these measurements work together to provide a comprehensive view of cardiovascular health. “These numbers tell a story and help us understand your heart health,” she said.

Her advice for maintaining heart health is straightforward: “Check them, track them, talk to your doctor, and your heart will thank you.”

People with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association, which encourages people to “Know Your Numbers” when it comes to heart health.

Understanding these four key numbers — blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar and BMI — represents a simple yet powerful way to monitor heart health and potentially prevent serious cardiovascular complications. 

Staying up to date with these heart numbers is as easy as getting your annual checkup, which is covered by health insurance. Blood pressure is measured by gently squeezing and then releasing blood vessels in your arm. A blood pressure cuff wraps around your arm can easily capture this key number. Cholesterol and glucose are measured as part of a blood test and you can calculate your BMI yourself.

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Why you might need a heart doctor

Your heart works incredibly hard every single day, and sometimes it needs specialized attention from a qualified heart doctor. Understanding when to seek cardiac care can be the difference between prevention and emergency treatment.

A heart doctor, also called a cardiologist, specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting your heart and blood vessels. These heart specialists are trained to identify early warning signs that there could be issues with your heart.

6 warning signs that you may need to see a heart doctor

1. Chest pain or discomfort

Chest pain is the most common reason people seek care from a heart doctor, and for good reason. Any chest discomfort should be taken seriously and evaluated by a cardiac specialist.

“I tell patients I would rather see them to make sure there is nothing more serious happening,” said Jason A. Hopper, M.D., cardiologist with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “Truly, better safe than sorry.”

That tightness, pressure or pain you’re experiencing? Don’t ignore it. It could be a warning sign of:

• Heart attack or angina
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart valve issues
• Inflammation of the heart muscle (pericarditis)

A heart doctor can distinguish between cardiac chest pain and other causes, such as muscle strain or acid reflux. Even if your chest pain isn’t heart-related, seeing a heart doctor can provide peace of mind and rule out serious conditions.

2. Shortness of breath, even at rest

Experiencing unexplained shortness of breath is a significant red flag that requires immediate evaluation by a heart doctor. This symptom can indicate that your heart is struggling to pump blood effectively throughout your body.

Especially concerning is shortness of breath that’s new or getting worse. A heart doctor should evaluate you if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing during normal activities
• Breathlessness while lying flat
• Waking up short of breath at night
• Breathing issues that interfere with daily life

These symptoms could indicate heart failure, coronary artery disease or other serious cardiac conditions that require prompt treatment from a heart doctor.

3. High blood pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause significant damage to your heart over time. A heart doctor can help you understand your blood pressure readings and develop an effective management strategy.

Consider seeing a heart doctor if:

• Your blood pressure consistently reads above 140/90 (measured in millimeters of mercury, abbreviated as mmHg)
• You’re taking medication but still have elevated readings
• You have other cardiovascular risk factors
• You’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure but haven’t seen a specialist

“High blood pressure often has no symptoms,” Dr. Hopper said. “Keeping a baseline of your blood pressure is crucial for preventing heart attack, stroke and heart failure.”

4. Family history of heart disease

If heart issues run in your family, it’s smart to get ahead of conditions by consulting with a heart doctor. Heart disease is influenced by genetics, so knowing your family history and taking proactive action can save your life.

A heart doctor should evaluate you if you have:

• Parents or siblings with heart disease
• Family history of heart attacks before age 65
• Genetic conditions affecting the heart
• Multiple relatives with cardiovascular issues

Even if you’re currently healthy, a heart doctor can assess your risk and recommend preventive measures based on your family history.

5. Irregular heartbeat or palpitations (rapid or abnormal heartbeat)

Your heart should maintain a steady, regular rhythm. If your heart feels like it’s skipping, fluttering or racing, it’s time to check it out with a heart doctor.

Seek evaluation from a heart doctor if you experience:

• Heart palpitations that occur frequently
• Feeling like your heart is skipping beats
• Rapid or slow heart rate without explanation
• Irregular heartbeat patterns

While occasional palpitations can be normal, irregular heartbeats that don’t go away could indicate arrhythmias that require treatment from a heart doctor.

6. You have diabetes

Diabetes significantly increases your risk of heart disease, making regular check-ins with a specialist essential for managing your overall health. A heart doctor can help prevent cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes.

If you have diabetes, a heart doctor can:

• Monitor your cardiovascular risk factors
• Adjust medications to protect your heart
• Provide specialized care for diabetic heart disease
• Help manage your condition to prevent heart issues

Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease because high blood sugar damages blood vessels over time. Regular consultations with a heart doctor can help manage your condition and prevent serious complications.

Don’t wait for a crisis: Early action saves lives

You don’t need to wait for a medical emergency to see a cardiac specialist. If something feels off with your heart or you simply want peace of mind about your cardiovascular health, seeing a heart doctor can be a smart move.

Listen to your body and trust your gut. Early detection and treatment by a qualified heart doctor can prevent minor issues from becoming life-threatening emergencies. 

What to expect during your first heart doctor visit

When you visit a heart doctor for the first time, they will:

• Review your medical history and family history
• Perform a comprehensive physical examination
• Order diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (abbreviated as EKG) echocardiogram, stress testing or cardiac CT scan.
• Discuss your symptoms and risk factors
• Develop a personalized treatment plan

Benefits of regular cardiac care

Working with a heart doctor provides numerous advantages for your cardiovascular health:

Early detection: Heart doctors can identify problems before they become serious, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes.

Specialized expertise: Heart doctors have advanced training in cardiac conditions.

Advanced testing: Heart doctors have access to sophisticated diagnostic equipment and testing procedures.

Comprehensive care: A heart doctor can coordinate with other specialists to provide complete cardiovascular care.

Peace of mind: Regular checkups with a heart doctor can provide reassurance about your heart health.

Don’t delay seeking care if you’re experiencing any warning signs. However, even if you’re symptom-free, consider seeking cardiology care if you:

• Are over 40 with multiple risk factors
• Have concerns about your cardiovascular health
• Want to establish baseline heart health
• Need guidance on heart-healthy diet and lifestyle changes

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death, but it’s also largely preventable with proper care from qualified medical professionals. A heart doctor can help you understand your risk factors and take steps to protect your heart.

The post When to visit a heart doctor: 6 critical signs you need to see a cardiologist today appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Typical anatomy is to have a tricuspid aortic valve, where three leaflets, called cusps,open and shut with the heartbeat. Jonny’s aortic valve had only two, which can lead to serious heart complications.

Fast-forward about 12 years after the valve replacement, and Jonny developed a cough that didn’t go away. Tests for COVID-19 and other illnesses ruled out infections, but the coughing continued, even getting more intense. Worrisome bloodwork, however, indicated extreme heart failure.

“I was admitted directly to Norton Brownsboro Hospital, and I learned while I was there that I was experiencing all of the cough and everything from congestive heart failure symptoms,” Jonny said. “Because my valve was failing, I had fluid backing up into my lungs.”

Jonny needed a new valve

In cases where a patient is young, a mechanical valve or tissue valve usually is placed through open heart surgery. A less-invasive procedure, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), is generally an option for those who have already had previous heart surgery and whose valve has deteriorated and needs replacement. In Jonny’s case, because he already had surgery, he had a level of scar tissue that made the TAVR procedure possible.

Daniel P. Rothschild, M.D., interventional cardiologist; and Kevin A. Graham, M.D., cardiovascular surgeon; both with Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, performed the procedure to save Jonny’s life.

“Jonny’s heart needed intervention and fast. Our team knew TAVR was the right procedure, and we’re glad he landed with us. We had the skills to save his life,” Dr. Rothschild said.

TAVR involves a catheter inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and guided to the heart with advanced imaging. The doctor then implants a replacement valve made of cow or pig tissue into the valve’s place. Once the new valve is in place, a balloon expands and presses the replacement valve into the damaged valve.

“When I had my valve replaced at 20 years old in 2011, at the time that was the latest and greatest valve,” Jonny said. “People found out as years passed that whenever that valve failed, it didn’t fail gradually — it failed very, very rapidly.”

Jonny went from having a normally functioning valve to one that was barely working.

Time was of the essence.

Norton Heart & Vascular Institute’s structural cardiology team worked through insurance approvals — and denials — to get Jonny on the surgery schedule as quickly as possible.

“When a patient presents with a condition like this, it is all hands on deck. Everyone worked to ensure Jonny got treatment as soon as possible.” Dr. Rothschild said.

The procedure itself was short, and Jonny was able to go home the following day. After a few months in cardiac rehabilitation, he was back to normal.

In his job at Network for Hope, formerly Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, Jonny’s days are long and sometimes strenuous. The nonprofit organization coordinates lifesaving organ donations in Kentucky.

“I sometimes work around the clock, and what I’m doing contributes to saving lives,” he said.

Thanks to TAVR and the team at Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, he is back to helping save others.

The post At age 32, Louisville man experiences heart failure — and receives a lifesaving new heart valve appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

The cath lab technology also offers intravascular ultrasound, which uses sound waves to evaluate the coronary arteries. In the coming months, the cath lab also will begin offering 3D modeling technology that helps providers more quickly diagnose heart blockages and determine the best course of treatment, whether a stent or surgical procedure.

The renovated cath lab opening coincides with an imaging renovation that includes a new CT scanner. While the CT scanner can be used for any area of the body, it also can be used to identify heart disease, issues with heart valves and heart defects. It boasts faster scan times and higher resolution — benefits for both patients and clinicians.

“This is a huge investment in heart and imaging services in Southern Indiana and is something we’re really excited about,” said Kathleen S. Exline, DNP, R.N., chief administrative officer, Norton Clark Hospital. “For cardiac catheterizations alone, we currently are on pace to exceed the 823 procedures we performed last year, showing that more people are choosing us for care.

“It’s really gratifying to know that, coupled with the expertise of Norton Heart & Vascular Institute, heart patients have access to this level of care in Southern Indiana — close to home.”

Renovation of the hospital’s second cath lab is being planned, and a time frame has not yet been determined.

“People in Southern Indiana should have easy access to heart care,” said Ann Marie Holas-Dryps, system vice president, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “We’re committed to ensuring these services are here.”

Norton Heart & Vascular Institute offers experience, expertise and a commitment to making it as easy as possible to get care.

Norton Clark Hospital has received Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI by the American College of Cardiology. The designation is based on a rigorous on-site evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack. The hospital also is a STEMI Receiving Center, which means it is equipped and designated for proper care of people having a ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), also known as a “widow-maker” heart attack. This deadliest form of heart attack is a complete blockage in a major artery to the heart. 

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Lifestyle changes

The first option is an easy one, and something everyone should do regardless of their blood pressure reading: Lower sodium (salt) in your diet. While this mineral is needed by your body, it’s not needed in the amounts that most Americans consume.

“We know that eating a lot of sodium can increase your blood pressure over time,” said Matthew J. Sousa, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “Instead of using salt to flavor what you eat, look at different spices that can add some zest, and try sodium-free marinades on meat. Pay special attention to processed and packaged foods you purchase, as some have a great deal of sodium.

“While the guideline is 2,300 mg of sodium per day total, a better aim is 1,500 mg a day if you want to reduce blood pressure.”

While reducing sodium alone can help with blood pressure, a few other things also help, according to Dr. Sousa:

• Exercise regularly: Aerobic exercise and strength training have been shown to lower blood pressure.
• Lose weight: When your weight increases, so does your blood pressure. A larger waistline also increases your risk for high blood pressure.
• Quit smoking: Smoking raises blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol: Alcohol can raise blood pressure, so it’s best to quit drinking. If you do consume alcohol, set your limit to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

“Making these lifestyle changes can really lower your blood pressure, and you may not need to do anything else,” Dr. Sousa said.

Adding medication

If diet, exercise and weight changes do not improve your blood pressure, your provider may recommend medications.

“Different medications are available to help by reducing extra water and sodium in your system, lowering your heart rate, or relaxing or opening blood vessels,” Dr. Sousa said. “Your provider will look at your age, blood pressure reading and other health indicators to determine what type of medication may work best.

“It may take trying different medications to determine what works best in your body, but they can work quickly and effectively to lower blood pressure.”

Renal denervation procedure

Some people continue to have high blood pressure despite using medications and making lifestyle changes.

Norton Heart & Vascular Institute now has a new option called renal denervation, which calms overactive nerves near the kidneys that can cause high blood pressure.

“We take a very thin tube into the artery that goes to the kidney and send electrical pulses to calm those nerves,” Dr. Sousa said. “It’s a simple, minimally invasive procedure that only requires minimal sedation, and the patient can usually go home the same day.” Norton Heart & Vascular Institute is the first in Kentucky and Southern Indiana to offer the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system.

The post Treating high blood pressure: What are your options? appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

For some patients with high blood pressure, the nerves near the kidneys can become overactive. Applying radiofrequency energy to these nerves can help calm them, thereby reducing blood pressure. The new Symplicity Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system is the only one of its kind offered in the United States.

“We take a very thin tube into the artery that goes to the kidney and send electrical pulses to calm those nerves,” said Matthew J. Sousa, M.D., interventional cardiologist, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute. “It’s a simple, minimally invasive procedure that only requires minimal sedation, and the patient can usually go home the same day.”

Elevated blood pressure is a reading above 120/80 mmHg. For some people, blood pressure can reach a seriously elevated level categorized as advanced hypertension. Advanced hypertension, or Stage 2 hypertension, is defined as systolic (the top number) blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. This level of high blood pressure requires serious medical attention. If left untreated, stage 2 hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack and serious damage to the kidneys, eyes and brain.

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Heart attack symptoms in women are often more subtle than those in men, making them easier to overlook or confuse with other health issues. Unlike the stereotypical crushing chest pain associated with heart attacks, women’s heart attack symptoms can resemble the flu, heartburn or even an ulcer.

“It is critical that women understand what a heart attack can feel like for them, so they get immediate medical care,” said Li Zhou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of the Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Women’s Heart Program. “Any delay in seeking treatment can result in more damage to the heart muscle and can be life-threatening.”

Subtle signs: How heart attack symptoms in women differ

In general, heart attack symptoms in women may not include severe chest pain. Instead, women may experience:

• Unusual fatigue or exhaustion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain, indigestion or heartburn
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Breaking into a cold sweat
• Pain in the jaw, neck or upper back
• Pressure or pain in the chest that may come and go

These symptoms can go unnoticed or can be mistaken for less serious conditions, such as anxiety, gastrointestinal issues or muscle pain.

Almost 1 in 3 heart attack patients experience no chest pain at all — and this is more common among women. This is sometimes called a silent heart attack.

When to seek help for heart attack symptoms

If you suspect you are having a heart attack, do not wait. Call 911 immediately or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room.

While waiting for emergency services:

• Take nitroglycerin if it’s been prescribed by your doctor.
• Take aspirin only if a medical professional has previously advised you to do so — as it may interact with other medications.

Key differences in heart attack symptoms: Women vs. men

There are notable differences in how heart attacks present in men and women. Men often report pain and numbness in the left arm or side of the chest. In contrast, women may feel pain on the right side, in the back or not in the chest at all.

In some cases, chest pain in women is caused by microvascular disease — a condition affecting the small arteries of the heart rather than a typical blockage. This condition often is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure or inherited heart disease.

Other conditions that can mimic heart attack symptoms in women

Several other health issues can resemble heart attack symptoms in women, including:

• Panic attacks: Often mistaken for heart attacks, panic attacks can cause chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and a feeling of dread. These episodes typically involve sharp, stabbing pain that lasts only a few seconds and is localized.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Symptoms like acid reflux can cause burning chest pain that mimics a heart attack.
• Muscle strain: Especially in the chest or back, muscle injury can cause pain during movement or deep breathing.
• Stroke: Weakness in the arms or an inability to raise both arms evenly could indicate a stroke rather than a heart attack.

Risk factors for heart attack in women

• Smoking is a greater risk factor for heart disease in women than it is in men. 
• Not being active is a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Emotional stress and depression may affect women’s hearts more than men’s. Experiencing these can make it difficult to be active or make healthy choices. 
• Diabetes increases your heart attack risk. Women with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease than are men with diabetes. Diabetes damages the blood vessels and can change the way people feel pain, so you may be at a higher risk for silent heart attack.
• Menopause causes drops in estrogen, which increase the risk of developing small vessel heart disease.
• Pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure (preeclampsia) or diabetes during pregnancy, can increase women’s long-term risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Family history of early heart disease may be a greater risk factor in women than in men.
• Other health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or inflammatory conditions, can increase the risk of heart attack. 

Heart attacks during and after pregnancy

Although rare, heart attacks during pregnancy or shortly afterward can occur. A common cause is spontaneous coronary artery dissection, a condition where a tear forms in a coronary artery, disrupting blood flow to the heart.

Awareness of heart attack symptoms in women

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 267,000 women die from heart attacks each year. Understanding heart attack symptoms in women — and how they may differ from men’s — can be lifesaving. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and seek immediate medical care.

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