There are different types of heart disease. Common ones include coronary artery disease (caused by plaque on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart) and arrhythmia (a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly). Some women do not experience the initial symptoms of these conditions, while others experience them acutely. Whether you have been diagnosed with any heart disease or not, there are some warning signs that should never be ignored and should always be examined by a medical professional. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, and dizziness. Although there are no specific symptoms that only affect men, women are a different story and may experience sweating, nausea, and pain in the neck, jaw, or abdomen. “A woman may sometimes report that her bra is too tight or feels like there’s a band around her breasts. She may also feel dizzy or lightheaded, have indigestion, heart palpitations, and extreme fatigue. ,” says Professor Bloom. “I tell countless stories of my female patients who delayed seeking medical attention because they ignored their symptoms or thought their symptoms could not be caused by heart disease.” It can be reassuring to know a little bit about what to expect if you are diagnosed. “Women can expect regular cholesterol and lipid tests, kidney tests, and complete blood cell tests if they are diagnosed with heart disease,” Dr. Misick added.