Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can affect women at any age1 . Women often experience heart attacks differently than men, with symptoms that may be less obvious or atypical, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment2 . Recognizing these key signs is essential for timely medical intervention and improved outcomes3 .
Despite women having more symptomatic chest pain than men, they are less likely to receive timely and appropriate care7 .
Recognizing Heart Attack Symptoms
Chest pain or discomfort remains the most common symptom of a heart attack in women, occurring in over 90% of cases4 . However, women frequently report a broader range of symptoms during acute coronary syndrome (ACS) than men, including shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and palpitations5 . Unlike men, women may experience less intense chest pain described more as pressure, tightness, or squeezing rather than crushing pain6 .
💡 Did You Know?
Heart attacks are misdiagnosed more often in young women than in men. The predominant sign of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain12 .
Women are also more likely to have atypical symptoms such as pain in the neck, jaw, back, or stomach, which can be mistaken for non-cardiac issues like indigestion or anxiety7 . Silent myocardial infarctions, which cause minimal or no chest pain, occur more commonly in women and contribute to underdiagnosis8 . Prodromal symptoms, including unusual fatigue and indigestion, may precede acute events by days or weeks and are important for early recognition9 .
Symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and lightheadedness are also more common in women during a heart attack10 . The likelihood of myocardial infarction increases when several symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea present simultaneously11 .
- Chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure or tightness4
- Shortness of breath or dyspnea5
- Pain in the arm(s), shoulder, neck, jaw, back, or stomach7
- Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion-like symptoms5
- Unusual or extreme fatigue lasting days or weeks before the event9
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting10
- Cold sweat or palpitations5
