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Heart Attack Signs in Men and Women: How They Differ

May 3, 2018 | Debby Jesser

Thanks to movies, we all know the telltale signs of heart attack: sudden arm pain and chest pressure. But for most people, these aren’t the symptoms they experience. Often, the signs are a lot more subtle.

According to the American Heart Association, heart attack signs differ between men and women.

For men, the most common warning signs are:

  • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

For women, look for these warning signs::

  • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
  • As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

And remember that while certain factors such as age, weight and family history can increase your risk of heart disease, all ages can experience a heart attack. Reduce your risk of heart disease by following these tips from the American Heart Association: