Do You Know the Different Heart Attack Symptoms in Men and Women?

You might think you know what a heart attack looks like--you clutch your chest in pain and fall to the ground. But heart attacks don’t always stick to this script--especially in women.

Here’s a look at some of the different heart attack symptoms in men and women.

In Women

Women are more likely to have atypical and subtle symptoms during a heart attack, including:

Fatigue: You may feel tired for days without a clear reason.
Dull pain: While chest pain is the most common sign, you may feel pain or discomfort in your neck, back, jaw, or stomach.
Nausea: You may vomit or feel sick to your stomach.
Shortness of breath: You may have a hard time breathing, even when sitting down.

In Men

Men are more likely to experience the typical symptoms we associate with heart attacks, including:

Severe chest pain: You may feel like someone is squeezing your heart or like you have a large weight on your chest.
Shooting pain: You may feel a pain shooting down your left arm.
Cold sweat: You may break out in a cold sweat.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you suspect you might be having a heart attack, dial 911. Every second counts.

Heart Attack Care

WCHN hospitals are certified Primary Angioplasty Centers. All patients suspected of having a heart attack are evaluated on the spot, either by EMS or the emergency physician. Find out more about our life-saving emergency care.