Doctor Reveals Lesser-Known Heart Disease Signs, Especially for Women
A consultant cardiologist has shared crucial information about the lesser-known symptoms of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the UK. Dr Roy Jogiya, a medical professional at a UK hospital and chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, emphasised the importance of recognising these signs, particularly for women, who may experience different manifestations of the condition.
Subtle Symptoms in Women
Dr Jogiya explained that heart disease can "manifest slightly differently" in women, with "slightly subtle differences" in symptoms compared to men. He noted that women might not present with the classic crushing chest pain often associated with heart attacks. Instead, they could report feelings of fatigue, neckache, or general tiredness. "Women actually present slightly and subtle different ways, so they may not present with a classical crushing chest pain," he said. "It just might be 'I'm feeling a bit tired,' or 'I've got a bit of neckache.' Heart disease can actually manifest slightly differently in a woman."
Key Warning Signs to Watch For
The doctor highlighted that the primary indicator is anything "unusual" for an individual. This includes symptoms such as:
- Increased breathlessness
- Unusual fatigue or more fatigue than normal
- Atypical chest pains and aches
- Dizzy spells or blackouts
Dr Jogiya urged vigilance, stating that these signs could stem from various causes, and anyone experiencing them should "seek medical attention" promptly to rule out serious issues like heart disease.
Addressing Gender Disparity in Heart Health
Dr Jogiya also addressed the ongoing gender disparity in heart disease awareness and treatment. He mentioned that Heart Research UK is leading the HER campaign, which focuses on women and heart disease. This initiative aims to:
- Challenge the misconception that only men are affected by heart disease
- Tackle the gender pay gap in heart healthcare
- Improve awareness of risk factors specific to women
According to the charity, approximately 23,000 women die from coronary heart disease annually in the UK. Dr Jogiya added that twice as many women die from cardiovascular disease each year compared to breast cancer, underscoring the critical need for increased education and early detection.
By sharing these insights, Dr Jogiya hopes to empower individuals, especially women, to recognise subtle symptoms and seek timely medical help, potentially saving lives through early intervention and better health outcomes.
