November 2018
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 or 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 women, if you suspect you might be having a heart attack, call 911. Every second counts.
Online Medical Reviewer:
McDonough, Brian, MD
Date Last Reviewed:
11/2/2017
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.