Squeezing chest pain and shortness of breath are perhaps the first red flags that come to mind when thinking of a heart attack. Yet, it's crucial to note that such medical emergencies can manifest in several other ways, too.
You may be surprised to hear that this sometimes includes jaw pain. Although it's easy to dismiss this as a dental issue, toothache and related symptoms can signal reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
This blockage can also cause pain to radiate from the heart to several other parts of the body, including the legs, back, neck and stomach. Experts at the National Heart Foundation of Australia explain: "While both women and men can experience this unusual symptom, women are more likely than men to experience jaw pain as a heart attack warning sign.
"If you're experiencing jaw pain that doesn't go away, is getting worse, or if you're also experiencing other warning signs of a heart attack (like nausea or shortness of breath), call [emergency services] immediately."
In 2019, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) similarly reported that while chest pain remains the most common heart attack symptom for both sexes, women are more likely to suffer from nausea and pain spreading to the jaw or back. In contrast, men more frequently experience symptoms akin to acid reflux.
Despite this, another BHF report from the same year suggests that women are 50% more likely to be wrongly diagnosed during a heart attack. It stressed that 'both men and women who are initially misdiagnosed have a 70% higher risk of dying'.
Amidst such trends, Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP at UK Care Guide, previously told the Mirror: "Women often experience less typical symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or shortness of breath. These can be easily mistaken for other ailments.
"Cultural and psychological factors also play a role; women might be more inclined to prioritise others' needs over their own health, delaying seeking help." Beyond this, Dr Nye stressed that awareness of silent heart attacks is crucial, too.
These events, often without any pain, occur in approximately 20 to 60% of cases, according to the Cleveland Clinic. "These can occur without the classic symptom of chest pain," Dr Nye summarised.
"In my experience, I've encountered patients who had no idea they'd experienced a heart attack until a routine check-up or subsequent complications revealed it. This can happen due to how the heart attack manifests, affecting different nerves and areas of the heart.
"I always recommend being vigilant about symptoms such as chest discomfort - not necessarily pain - shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or arms. It's crucial to pay attention to these signs, especially if they are unusual for you.
"It's vital to raise awareness about these differences in symptoms and encourage proactive healthcare behaviours among women. Regular check-ups and a good understanding of personal risk factors can make a significant difference. Remember, early detection and treatment are key."
A complete NHS list of potential heart attack symptoms is detailed below:
- Pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Sweating
- Coughing or wheezing
- Chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest
- Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- An overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
- Shortness of breath
For more information, head to the NHS website
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