02/18/2026
February is National American Heart Month, dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease. Heart attacks in women often present with symptoms beyond traditional chest pain, While chest pain or discomfort (squeezing, pressure, fullness) is the most common symptom, women are more likely to experience "atypical" symptoms for weeks in advance before their heart attack. I experienced: tiredness, stomach issues (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea), and lightheadedness. "Atypical" Symptoms: Unusual Fatigue: Extreme, unexplained fatigue or weakness. Shortness of Breath: Often occurring with or without chest discomfort. Pain Locations: Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or shoulder. Stomach Issues: Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion (often mistaken for heartburn). Sweating: Cold sweat, particularly at night. Lightheadedness: Sudden dizziness.
After facing a life-threatening heart event, Dr. Kimberly Barrington, a Navy veteran, found expert care at UM Health-West. Her journey through “broken heart ...