04/29/2026
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Canada, but it doesn’t always look the same for everyone.
DID YOU KNOW? Approximately 63,000 Canadians have a heart attack every year. While many expect "crushing chest pain," for many—especially women, seniors, and people with diabetes—the signs can be much subtler.
Because these symptoms can feel like the flu or "just being tired," many Canadians wait too long to seek help.
The signs we might miss…
• The "Classic": Pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest.
• The Unusual: Pain in the neck, jaw, or upper back.
• The Vague: Sudden, extreme fatigue or "just not feeling right."
• The Stomach: Nausea, indigestion, or a "heavy" feeling in the gut.
• The Breathing: Shortness of breath, even without chest discomfort.
• The Skin: Breaking out in a cold sweat or appearing unusually pale.
What to do: If you or someone you’re with experiences any of these, call 911 immediately. Don’t wait to see if it passes, and do not drive yourself to the hospital.