HEALTH
According to Dr Sundas, these symptoms can include:
• Unusual fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Indigestion-like discomfort
• Upper abdominal pain
• Jaw pain
• Neck pain
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Sweating
These symptoms can also be associated with everyday conditions such as stress, anxiety, viral infections, or digestive issues, so they are often dismissed or misinterpreted.
“ In some cases, someone may experience very few symptoms and only discover they have suffered a heart attack during routine medical testing,” adds Dr Sundas.
Importantly, many women can experience both classic and nonclassic symptoms.
“ Atypical symptoms do not mean the situation is any less serious. Any suspected heart attack should be treated as a medical emergency,” she cautions.
A GROWING CONCERN FOR YOUNGER WOMEN Research suggests that heart attacks are becoming more common among younger adults, particularly women between the ages of 35 and 54.
Several factors appear to be contributing to the risk. One of the biggest drivers, Dr Sundas argues, is the increasing prevalence of obesity in today’ s society.
“ Modern lifestyles often involve long periods of sitting, chronic stress, poor sleep, and easy access to highly processed foods. These are factors that can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.”
SEPTEMBER 2026 / INBOUND SA 71