Heart Attack Symptoms Women Need to Know

June 23, 2025

While the classic image of a heart attack is usually a person clutching their chest in agonizing pain, the reality for women can be strikingly different. Women may have less obvious signs, some of which are easily overlooked. If that results in a delay in life-saving treatment, the chance for a full recovery decreases.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., but many women aren't aware of the unique and subtle ways their body might be signaling a heart attack.

"We often see female patients who didn't experience any of the typical warning signs of a heart attack," says Dr. Shanmugam Uthamalingam, a cardiologist at Houston Methodist. "It could be something like back pain between the shoulders and shortness of breath. They might assume it was related to some weekend yard work, and they're completely unaware they're having a heart attack."

If you have chest pain or heart attack symptoms, call 911 right away. "I always encourage patients to go to an emergency room for any kind of cardiac event," Dr. Uthamalingam says. "An urgent care center may not have the technology or staffing to do the kind of screening needed to accurately diagnose and treat a heart attack."

Remember: Timing is everything when a heart attack happens. Early treatment can dramatically improve outcomes, minimize heart damage and significantly increase your chances of survival.

So how can women know when some discomfort or an unusual sensation might signal the need for emergency care? Here's what you need to know about women and heart attack symptoms.

Signs of heart attack in women

While some women do have chest pain during a heart attack, it might not feel like you expect. It could feel like a squeezing pressure or tightness in the center of the chest, and the pain can spread to other areas of the body.

Some women experience one or more of these symptoms:

Chest discomfort: Rather than pain, you might feel a fullness or a dull ache that doesn't go away or keeps coming back. The discomfort might be manageable, but you shouldn't ignore it — especially if you have other symptoms, too.
Shortness of breath: You might feel like you can't breathe well, even if you aren't having any chest pain. It might seem like you just ran up a lot of stairs even when you're resting. This can happen suddenly or get worse over time.
Pain in the back, neck or jaw: Unlike men, who often feel pain down their left arm during a heart attack, women are more likely to have pain in their back (often between their shoulders), neck or jaw. This pain can be sharp, dull or a constant ache. It might start suddenly or build up slowly.
Indigestion, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain: Heart attack symptoms can mimic the symptoms of intense heartburn, acid reflux or food poisoning. Some women might feel pain in the upper abdomen and attribute it to gallstones. If any of these flare-ups occur alongside other unusual symptoms, it could be heart related.

Dr. Uthamalingam reminds patients that they could have just one of these symptoms or a few of them together.

"Don't wait for all the 'classic' signs to appear before seeing help," he says. "If you have any new and unexplained discomfort or if something just feels 'off' in your body, get medical care to know if the symptoms might be the start of a heart attack."

Other heart attack symptoms that are more common in women

One reason why heart attacks in women can be hard to spot is that they often have symptoms that aren't typically linked to heart attacks. These "atypical" symptoms can be mistaken for other health issues:

Unusual fatigue: You might feel excessively tired, even if you had a good night's sleep. It's more than just worn out at the end of a long day — it's a deep, sometimes sudden fatigue that doesn't get better after you rest.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: A fleeting moment of disorientation is a common effect of low blood pressure. If the sensations come on suddenly or last for more than a few seconds, or if you feel chest discomfort at the same time, seek help right away.
Sweating: Breaking out in a cold sweat is a major symptom of a heart attack. You might also feel clammy while doing normal activities in a comfortable environment.
Anxiety or a sense of impending doom: Women may feel extremely anxious or restless if a heart attack is impending or occurring. Some have described an overwhelming sensation that something is deeply wrong.

"Many patients are surprised to learn that fainting is quite common among women experiencing a heart attack," Dr. Uthamalingam says. "They attribute it to tiredness or dehydration, because when they wake up, they feel better."

Why women's symptoms are often overlooked

Historically, the classic signs of heart attack have reflected what men, specifically, typically experience. This can lead women to dismiss atypical symptoms as less serious. Women's cardiac problems have often been misdiagnosed as stress, lack of sleep, dehydration or hormonal conditions. Some women brush off their symptoms to avoid being labeled as overreacting.

Research has also shown that risk factors can differ between men and women. Some risk factors, such as depression or autoimmune disease, are more prevalent in women. In other cases, the risk factors may impact women more severely than men. For example, women diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes face a higher risk of heart disease than men with the same conditions.

Dr. Uthamalingam encourages women to take any unusual symptoms or combination of symptoms seriously. "Don't ignore what your body is telling you. You should never hesitate to describe your specific symptoms to health care professionals. If you feel as if the provider isn't listening, you have the right to speak with someone who will."

Preventing heart attacks in women

While some risk factors such as age and family history can't be changed, many lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease in women. Here are some healthy strategies that can greatly lower your risk:

Adopt a heart-smart diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein (like fish and poultry) and healthy fats (like avocados and olive oil). Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium and added sugars.
Keep up with appointments: If you have a chronic health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, visit your provider regularly to get your numbers in a healthy range through medication or lifestyle changes. (Related: 5 Things Women Need to Know About High Blood Pressure & Its Symptoms)
Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. Finding activities you enjoy can help make exercise a sustainable part of your routine.
Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity and being overweight significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Even modest weight loss can have significant benefits for your heart health. (Related: How Excess Weight Affects the Body)
Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, and quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. Help from a health care professional or support group can empower you to quit.
Get quality sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep can contribute to various health issues, including increased risk of heart disease.
Discuss family history: Inform your doctor about your family history of heart disease. This information can help assess your individual risk and guide preventive measures.