Early sign of 'silent killer' in women doctors might miss - as it can look different in men

Coronary heart disease is often referred to as the 'silent killer', because many people aren't aware they have it - yet it's a major cause of death in the UK and worldwide.

According to the , the main symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in your neck, shoulders, jaw or arms, feeling faint and feeling sick - but not everyone has the same symptoms, and some may not have any. But according to a cardiologist, there's one symptom especially women should be aware of, as it's something doctors sometimes miss.

Dr Simin Lee a cardiologist based in Boston in the US who focuses on women's heart health, says "heart disease is a silent killer and it can look very different in women compared to men". In a recent , she shared the "top five early signs of that many women miss and their doctors often miss too".

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According to the health expert, "recognising these signs early can make all the difference", so it's important to be aware and act quickly. The first thing to look out for is fatigue, but not "the usual tiredness after work, tiredness after taking care of your family". Instead, women should look out for "constant, unexplained fatigue that could mean your heart is working harder than it should".

Next is "shortness of breath from simple tasks", particularly if it's related to physical exertion, because this could mean your heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently. The third thing to look out for is sweating, cold sweats or sudden unusual sweating, which Dr Lee said is "never a good sign". "It could mean your cardiovascular system is really struggling to keep up," she added.

The fourth symptom to look out for is jaw, neck or back pain. "Unlike men, women often experience heart-related pain in these areas, rather than just the chest," said Dr Lee. Lastly, the cardiologist mentioned persistent indigestion and , which can "sometimes be mistaken for digestive issues but could actually be a sign that your heart isn't getting enough oxygen".

It's important to remember that these symptoms don't necessarily mean you have heart disease, but according to Dr Lee, they are "often dismissed by doctors", so "if you have a family history" of heart disease, or you're just worried, it's better to be proactive and speak to a doctor.

According to the NHS website, if a doctor feels you're at risk, they might carry out a risk assessment. There are ways you can reduce your risk of getting coronary heart disease, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, giving up smoking, being physically active and controlling blood cholesterol levels.