02/27/2026
Heart disease is often underdiagnosed in women, and that delay in recognition can increase the risk of serious outcomes.
One reason? Symptoms in women are frequently different from the “classic” chest pain many people expect. Instead, women may experience shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue, and neck or jaw pain. These signs are easy to dismiss, but they shouldn’t be ignored.
Are you at increased risk of heart disease? You may be if you have an autoimmune disorder or diabetes, are overweight, hit menopause early, or smoke.