I work in a hospital – and didn’t know I was having a heart attack. Here’s what more women should know

Published 27 July 2026 · health

Women and men exhibit different heart attack symptoms. Knowing these lesser known factors can help save your life A few months ago at work, when

Women and men exhibit different heart attack symptoms. Knowing these lesser known factors can help save your life A few months ago at work, when I rose from my seat and walked a few steps, something felt off. There was a strange pressure in my chest and rib cage, but I ignored it, took my water bottle from the kitchen and returned to my desk. The next day it happened again. There was no pain and my breathing was fine. But whenever I stood up and took a few steps, the odd squeezing would return. I work at a hospital as a neurosurgery coordinator, and the wall was lined with posters about stroke and heart distress signs.

I barely glanced at the pictures, having memorized them years ago. Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or hs-CRP, score: the level of these proteins increases with inflammation, and a high level can indicate blood vessels in the heart are narrowing (cardiovascular disease). Lipoprotein(a) elevation: a genetic test for inherited LDL (“bad”) cholesterol; high levels significantly increase risk of heart attack via plaque buildup in arteries. Apolipoprotein B elevation: measures the amount of Apo B, which carries substances in your blood that make the plaque. Coronary artery calcium score (high CAC): a high score likely means a large amount of plaque is present in arteries and the risk of a future heart attack is high.

Ask your primary care doctor what kinds of cardiac testing is available to you. If bloodwork is suggested first, do it. If you have a family history of heart attacks and want to check your arteries now, discuss proteins and inflammation markers. You may need to consult a specialist for these steps. Provide as much information as possible, even if you don’t think it’s related to your current problem. It could make a difference in someone deciding on a scan or sending you to the ER. The more details you provide, the better someone can assist. For instance, if you have a stomach ache that hasn’t gone away in three days, disclose it.

Keep asking about next steps. You are entitled to an answer and it’s the doctor’s job to help you find it. If your inquiries are not being taken seriously, book an appointment elsewhere. Do not give up or wait it out. Persistence can help you identify serious risks. Julie Charnet is a healthcare worker and writer in Philadelphia Continue reading...