Jaw Pain or Indigestion? Cardiologist Shares It Could Be a Heart Attack Symptom in Women

Chest pain may be the first thing that comes to mind when we refer to a heart attack. However, heart attacks may manifest themselves in less severe forms and in the case of women, in particular. Some women can have a slight pain in their jaw, indigestion, or they feel simply and strangely tired without realising they are having a heart attack. Since the manifestations of these hidden symptoms are usually a source of delaying care, the symptoms are harmful to disregard. Dr Dmitry Yaranov, aka heart_transplant_doc on Instagram, shares why the symptoms of a heart attack among women may be so different and how important it is to be aware of it.

Why Women Experience Different Heart Attack Symptoms

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dmitry Yaranov, MD | Cardiologist 🫀 (@heart_transplant_doc)

Dmitry Yaranov, a cardiologist widely known as @heart_transplant_doc on Instagram, explains that heart attacks in women do not always follow the classic pattern. He says, “Forget what you know about classic symptoms like chest pain. Heart attacks in women often show up very differently.” Some of the situations that women might find themselves and which could be dangerous are mention below, as per the doctor. 

• Unexpected and unexposed tiredness, as though they managed to have a marathon
• Even without the exertion of shortness of breath
• Unusual pain involves the jaw, back, neck and shoulder or stomach.
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Indigestion or nausea-like discomfort

The signs may be so minute that they are overlooked or misinterpreted as stress, anxiety or a light tummy problem.

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Why Women’s Heart Attack Signs Are Different

Heart attack occurs differently on women as compared to men hence they become more difficult to diagnose. In part, this is due to the fact that in women, blocked arteries can be smaller or located differently and, therefore, have symptoms atypical of the chest pain area. There is also a larger role played by emotional stress, which gives rise to more extensive reactions in the nervous system.

The symptoms of women are more diffuse and can imitate other disorders, such as:

• Musculoskeletal pain
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Panic or anxiety attacks

Learning about these dissimilarities can be lifesaving because it will promote awareness that women and their families will learn to be aware of warning signs early.

The Danger of Ignoring Jaw Pain and Indigestion

Jaw pain or indigestion, especially when sudden and unexplained, should never be dismissed lightly. Dr. Yaranov emphasises that these symptoms can easily be mistaken for a toothache, TMJ disorder, or stomach problems, but may actually indicate reduced blood flow to the heart.

Ignoring such symptoms can lead to delayed treatment and more severe damage to the heart muscle. Quick medical evaluation and treatment can prevent complications and improve survival rates.

What To Do If You Notice These Symptoms

If you or a loved one experiences:

• Unexplained jaw, neck, or back pain
• Sudden fatigue without reason
• Shortness of breath or nausea

Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. It’s better to be cautious than to have a heart attack. Early diagnosis and treatment vastly improve outcomes, so timely action can save lives.

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Conclusion

Heart attacks in women often come with hidden symptoms like jaw pain, indigestion, and sudden fatigue rather than classic chest pain. Awareness of these signs, as explained by Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, can make a life-saving difference. If you notice any unusual or unexplained symptoms, trust your instincts and get checked promptly. The more we understand women’s unique heart health signals, the better we can protect ourselves and those we love.