Heart Disease Symptoms Are Different in Women Than Men

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in American women, but women are often not diagnosed as quickly as men.

According to Dr. Kate Elfrey, D.O., a cardiologist with The Heart Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, women are more likely than men to have "silent" heart disease, meaning they don't have symptoms.

Health care providers might not recognize heart disease because women's symptoms may be different from men's symptoms.

"Knowing the signs and symptoms is incredibly important. The classic symptoms of the 'elephant sitting on the chest,' discomfort, shortness of breath, women don't always get those signs and symptoms," Dr. Elfrey said. "Symptoms in women can differ. We might feel extreme fatigue, a little bit light-headed, a little bit dizzy, just not quite feeling right."

If you are feeling any of these symptoms, or are just feeling off for an extended period of time, know your body and seek medical care, Dr. Elfrey advised.

View Mercy cardiologist Dr. Kate Elfrey's interview regarding heart disease symptoms in women.