The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Heart Issue, According to Cardiologists

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The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Heart Issue, According to Cardiologists originally appeared on Parade.
Heart attacks are often conveyed as sudden, obvious and marked by horrible chest pain. However, cardiologists are ringing the alarm: Heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues can often sneak up on us, largely because we don't know all of the symptoms we might experience."We often think of a heart attack as a crushing chest pain or pressure in the middle of the chest, but there are times when heart disease feels different," shares , a board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center.🩺 💊
So many people are at risk for—and will experience—cardiovascular disease during their lifetimes. The American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update found that heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of U.S. adults, fueled by increases in risk factors like hypertension. Yet cardiologists emphasize that early detection can save lives. They're raising their voices on a silent heart disease symptom they wish more people knew about.Related:
Pain in the jaw or neck without chest discomfort can be an early warning sign of heart problems, explains a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein in Houston. Dr. Kee adds that the pain can also present in the shoulder or arm and says women, older adults and people with chronic conditions like diabetes are especially at high risk for experiencing this commonly overlooked symptom of cardiovascular concerns, including heart attacks.Research also suggests that women are more likely to experience jaw pain with a heart attack (and it's sometimes written off as a toothache). However, one cardiologist shares that it's easy for anyone to overlook these symptoms."Patients may dismiss these symptoms as 'just tension,' but cardiologists are taught to evaluate unexplained discomfort above the waist with concern, particularly in high-risk patients," says , a board-certified cardiologist, the founder of Manhattan Cardiology, Medical Offices of Manhattan and co-founder of labfinder.com.We've talked a lot about heart attacks, but Dr. Ni says jaw and neck pain may also suggest other cardiovascular issues. "There are other heart conditions that can also induce neck and jaw pain, including heart valve issues and heart rhythm problems," Dr. Ni says.It also may not be a heart issue at all. "Just because someone has risk indicators or pain in a typical region does not imply a cardiac cause," Dr. Segal says. "Proper cardiac screening is crucial. Jaw and neck pain can also be caused by muscle strain, tooth infections, and joint or spinal disorders."Related:
When the pain is related to heart disease or attacks, there's no structural or physical issue in the neck and jaw. Instead, the mind is misreading signals. "Our internal organs transmit 'pain' via the autonomic nervous system," says , an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company.Dr. Serwer explains that the autonomic nervous system plays a vital role in numerous functions, including blood pressure and heart rate regulation."When the heart is injured, the autonomic nervous system transmits signals to the brain indicating an injury," Dr. Serwer adds. "The pain is interpreted as referred pain. Referred pain may present as chest, jaw, neck or arm pain."
Related:
Everyone is different, but Dr. Ni says patients often experience jaw and neck pain on their left sides, which makes sense because that's where the heart is located.Dr. Kee often hears heart-related jaw and neck pain described as:
Dull ache or tightness in the lower jaw or throat
Pressure-like or heavy sensations
Pain radiating to the ear, shoulder or left arm
If the pain is a sign of a heart attack, it's tough to say whether the pain means you're about to experience one or the event is already in progress."There is no set period; jaw or neck pain could precede a heart attack by minutes, hours or even days," Dr. Segal explains. "Think of it like a leaking pipe—you might notice a subtle drip, or jaw [and] neck pain, before the pipe bursts. Or you could have a heart attack. The earlier you investigate, the better."Related:
When in doubt, Dr. Serwer suggests getting immediate ER care for jaw and neck pain. It could be a sign of a heart attack. "This is especially true for those at an increased risk for having a heart attack—those with diabetes, known coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking or family history," Dr. Serwer says, adding it's better to be safe.
Dr. Kee explains that doctors will treat suspected heart attacks immediately, potentially using:
Aspirin to reduce clotting
Nitroglycerin (a medication) to ease chest discomfort
Oxygen and IV medications
Cardiac catheterization and angioplasty (a minimally invasive procedure that can open arteries)
Stents or bypass surgery, depending on the severity
Dr. Kee says the outlook depends on numerous factors, including how quickly treatment begins.
"Early recognition of warning signs—even the atypical ones like jaw or neck pain—can drastically improve outcomes," he explains. "Don't wait for chest pain. Your heart could be speaking a different language. Learn to listen."
Up Next:Dr. Yu-Ming Ni, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist at MemorialCare Heart and Vascular Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center
2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update. American Heart Association.
Dr. Patrick Kee, M.D., Ph.D., a cardiologist with Vital Heart & Vein in Houston
Orofacial Pain and Toothache as the Sole Symptom of an Acute Myocardial Infarction Entails a Major Risk of Misdiagnosis and Death. Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache (OFPH).
Dr. Robert Segal, MD, a board-certified cardiologist, the founder of Manhattan Cardiology, Medical Offices of Manhattan and co-founder of labfinder.com.
Dr. Bradley Serwer, MD, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at VitalSolution, an Ingenovis Health company
The Silent Symptom Most People Don't Realize Could Be a Heart Issue, According to Cardiologists first appeared on Parade on Jun 1, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.