Warning: Heart Attacks in Women Don’t Always Look Like You Think
When we think of a heart attack, we often picture the classic “Hollywood” symptoms—sudden chest pain and clutching at the heart. But for women, it can look very different.
Many women experience symptoms like pressure or discomfort in the chest, back, neck, jaw, or arm. It might even feel like a pulled muscle in the upper back or chest. Other signs include nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath—symptoms that are easy to dismiss or confuse with something else.
A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women in Sweden were up to three times more likely to die from a serious heart attack, simply because their symptoms weren’t recognized or taken seriously. Many were misdiagnosed with things like acid reflux or indigestion and sent home.
Your body knows when something isn’t right, so listen to it, speak up, and seek support if symptoms persist. Women are more likely than men to have symptoms without chest pain, so it’s essential to listen to your body and seek help if something feels wrong, even if it doesn’t feel dramatic.
Menopause doesn’t cause heart disease, but it can increase your long-term risk. Sure, we talk about hot flushes, mood swings, and night sweats—but did you know that heart health takes a hit too? Yup. After menopause, the risk of heart disease goes up, and it becomes the leading cause of death for women. Menopause is like puberty’s cooler, wiser (and sometimes sassier) older sister—it shakes things up, rewrites the rules, and reminds us that our bodies are evolving. And one thing that really deserves some love and attention during this transition? Your heart.
But don’t panic – I’m all about power, not fear, because there’s so much you can do to give your heart a high-five and help it thrive.
💡 Wait—What’s Going On With My Heart?
Estrogen, your old hormonal BFF, used to help keep your heart humming nicely. It kept blood vessels flexible, inflammation down, and cholesterol in check.
But as estrogen exits stage left during menopause, you may notice:
- Higher blood pressure
- More of the “bad” cholesterol (LDL)
- Less of the “good” cholesterol (HDL)
- A stubborn belly bulge
- And a bit more stiffness in the ol’ arteries
It’s not fun, but it is manageable. Let’s talk game plan.
6 Fun (and Doable) Ways to Show Your Heart Some Love
1. Feed It Fabulous Food
You don’t need a trendy detox or diet—just real, colorful food.
🫐 Think berries, leafy greens, avocado toast
🐟 Oily fish like salmon or sardines
🌰 A handful of nuts or seeds a day
🥑 Drizzle that olive oil proudly
🥖 Whole grains & beans = yes please
🚫 Say “no thanks” to ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, and trans fats. Your heart will thank you.
2. Move It, Groove It
Exercise doesn’t need to be boring or punishing.
💃 Dance around the kitchen
🚶♀️ Walk with a friend
🏋️♀️ Lift some weights (it helps with bones and blood sugar)
🏊♀️ Swim, stretch, or try yoga
Just get that body moving for 30 minutes most days—your heart LOVES it.
3. Sleep Like a Queen
Sleep is when your body repairs and recharges. And yep, it matters a lot for your heart.
🌙 Stick to a wind-down routine
📵 Turn off the screens before bed
🌿 Try herbal tea or magnesium
❄️ Keep your room cool and dark
If menopause is messing with your sleep, don’t suffer in silence—get help!
4. De-Stress Like It’s Your J
Stress is sneaky—it raises your blood pressure and puts your heart under pressure.
✨ Try breathwork or meditation
🌳 Take a walk in nature
📝 Journal it out or chat with a friend
🎶 Put on your favorite playlist and dance it off
Even 5–10 minutes a day makes a big difference.
5. Track the Numbers That Matter
Don’t be afraid to peek at the stats.
🩺 Know your blood pressure
🧬 Check your cholesterol
🩸 Keep an eye on blood sugar
📏 Waist circumference matters, too
Knowledge = power. Track it, tweak it, thrive.
6. See Your People
That means your doctor and your support squad.
📅 Schedule regular check-ups
🩺 Have that heart-health chat (yes, even if you feel “fine”)
🤝 Work with a coach who gets the menopause shift, maybe that’s me!! The Health Nut!
You deserve a care team that supports this next chapter.
💖 Wrap-Up: Your Heart, Your Rules
Menopause is not the end of anything—it’s the start of a new relationship with your body. Your heart has carried you through decades of love, loss, joy, stress, dancing, laughing, and probably a few late-night snacks.
Now it’s your turn to carry it—with nourishment, movement, rest, and radical self-kindness.
You’ve got this. And your heart? She’s got you. Your heart is your lifelong partner—nurture it, listen to it, and never ignore its signals.
Stay kind to yourself—you’re doing great.
With love and healthy ticking vibes
Amanda 💖
