Heart attacks are often associated with men, but the reality is that women are just as susceptible. Women who experience heart attacks may have different symptoms and warning signs than their male counterparts.

It is important to recognize these signs to seek medical attention immediately, as early treatment can improve a patient’s chance of survival.

Chest pain or discomfort

Chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women. For women, the pain may be felt in the middle of the chest, but it can also be experienced on either side of the chest, or as a pressure or squeezing sensation.

The pain can last for several minutes or come and go.

Shortness of breath

Women experiencing a heart attack may also feel short of breath, even without chest pain. The shortness of breath may occur before, during, or after chest discomfort, and can be accompanied by difficulty breathing, wheezing, or gasping for air.

Nausea or vomiting

Feeling nauseous, dizzy, or lightheaded is another warning sign of a heart attack. Women may also experience vomiting or a general feeling of fatigue.

These symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to the flu or indigestion, but they can also signify a serious cardiovascular event.

Back, neck, or jaw pain

While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, women may also experience pain or discomfort in other areas of the body.

Pain in the back, neck, or jaw, especially if it is accompanied by chest discomfort or shortness of breath, can indicate a heart attack. Women who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

Unusual fatigue

Feeling excessively tired or fatigued, especially in combination with other symptoms, can be a warning sign of a heart attack. Women may also experience a sudden onset of unexplained weakness or a loss of energy.

Resting may not relieve the fatigue, and women may report feeling more tired than they would expect, given their current level of activity.

Lightheadedness

Experiencing dizziness or feeling lightheaded is another sign of a heart attack in women. These symptoms may occur suddenly and be accompanied by other warning signs, such as shortness of breath or chest discomfort.

Women who experience lightheadedness or dizziness should seek medical attention immediately.

Cold sweat

Some women may experience a sudden onset of cold sweat, especially if they are feeling short of breath or chest pain. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack, and women should seek medical attention immediately.

Cold sweat is a common symptom of other medical emergencies, such as stroke or shock, and warrants immediate medical attention.

Stomach pain or discomfort

Women may experience pain or discomfort in the stomach, upper back, or chest. This pain may be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn, but it can also be a sign of a heart attack.

Women may describe the pain as pressure or squeezing, and it may come and go or be constant. Any unexplained stomach pain or discomfort should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Arm pain

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, especially in combination with other heart attack symptoms, can indicate a serious cardiac event. The pain may be sudden or gradual, but it is usually felt in the left arm.

Women who experience arm pain or discomfort should seek medical attention immediately.

Flu-like symptoms

Some women may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, body aches, or chills, in addition to other warning signs of a heart attack. These symptoms may be mistaken for a cold or flu, but they can also be a sign of a life-threatening cardiac event.

Women who experience flu-like symptoms in combination with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or other warning signs should seek medical attention immediately.