Here’s a weird one: pain in the jaw, neck, back, or arms. Not the left arm, always. Sometimes it’s both arms, or just the right one. You might think you slept on it funny or that your pillow is possessed. The NHS notes that women often feel pain radiating up into the jaw, like a toothache from hell.
Women and cardiovascular disease: risk factors and warning signs
I read about a woman who thought she had a dental emergency. She spent an hour Googling dentists before a friend dragged her to A&E. Spoiler: it was a heart attack. So if your jaw is throbbing and you’re also feeling sick, put down the toothbrush.
Nausea or Vomiting: The "Flu" That Isn’t
Finally, feeling sick or actually throwing up. This is a brilliant disguise for a heart attack. You might think you have a stomach bug or that your third cup of coffee was a bad idea. But if you’re pale, sweaty, and nauseous, and you also feel that weird pressure in your chest, it’s not the tummy bug—it’s the ticker.
My aunt once spent an afternoon curled up on the bathroom floor, convinced she had food poisoning. She was brushing her teeth when she noticed her arm felt heavy. She called 111, and the operator basically yelled, "Stop brushing and get to a hospital!" She had a 90% blockage. That’s how sneaky it is.
