Nikki’s Heart Attack at 46: A Wake-Up Call for Women

At 46, Nikki had no health issues and never expected a heart attack. When she felt shoulder pain and nausea, she dismissed them as perimenopause. The symptoms worsened over days—pain radiating down her arm, chest tightness, and nausea—yet she continued her routine.

At a doctor’s appointment, she was advised to go to the ER if symptoms returned. They did—outside a restaurant, just one street from the hospital. Sweating and numb, Nikki drove herself to the ER. A nurse saw her distress and rushed her in. She was having a heart attack.

Now recovering, Nikki is sharing her story to raise awareness. Heart attack symptoms in women are often subtle: chest discomfort, radiating pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and cold sweat. She urges women to take symptoms seriously, seek help immediately, and advocate for themselves.

Even healthy women are at risk—early action can save lives.