Women often have different—and more subtle—symptoms than men. That’s one reason heart attacks in women can be missed or delayed.
Common heart attack symptoms in women
Women may experience one or more of the following:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating (sometimes mistaken for hot flashes)
- Shortness of breath
- Extreme or unusual fatigue
- Pain or discomfort in the back, arms, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the center of the chest
These symptoms can come on suddenly or build slowly over hours or even days.
Why heart attacks are often missed in women
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., and women are more likely than men to die from their first heart attack.
One reason? Symptoms like fatigue, night sweats, or nausea are often blamed on:
- Menopause
- Stress or anxiety
- Indigestion
- Panic attacks
“Women often play down heart symptoms as signs of things like menopause or stress,” says Chalak O. Berzingi, MD, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic. “If something feels off, especially if it’s new, severe, or unusual, don’t ignore it.”
Call 911 right away if you think you might be having a heart attack. Don’t drive yourself to the hospital.
Know your risk factors
Knowing your personal risk is one of the best ways to protect your heart. Common risk factors for women include:
- High blood pressure
- High LDL cholesterol (or low HDL cholesterol, the "good" kind)
- Diabetes
- Smoking or vaping
- Being overweight or obese
- Being age 50+ or post-menopause
- Not getting enough physical activity
- A family history of heart disease (parents or siblings)
What you can do to lower your risk
Small changes can make a big difference:
- Move more—aim for regular physical activity you enjoy
- Eat heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Quit smoking (help is available)
- Manage stress and get enough sleep
- Keep up with regular checkups and know your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar numbers
If you have questions about your risk or it’s time for your regular checkup, reach out to your primary care doctor.
