Heart Attack Symptoms

A heart attack strikes someone every 40 seconds in the U.S. If it happens to you, getting help right away is key to recovery. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of a heart attack.

Men and women can experience heart attack symptoms differently. Many of the symptoms overlap, but not all.

Symptoms for Men & Women

These symptoms can happen to anyone who’s having a heart attack, regardless of their gender:

• Chest pain. The classic heart attack symptom is pain coming from the left side of your chest.
• Arm pain. This can be in either arm or shoulder.
• Shortness of breath. This can happen with or without chest pain.
• Feeling weak. This can come with light-headedness, fainting or breaking out into a cold sweat.
• Jaw, neck or back pain. Don’t write off other upper body pain. It can signal a heart attack too.

Symptoms for Women

Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for women and men alike. But women are more likely to have other, lesser-known symptoms, such as:

• Unexplained tiredness. This heart attack symptom is common for women and easy to overlook.
• Nausea or vomiting. Don’t assume it’s something you ate or that you caught a
  bug.
• Back pain. This can show up as upper back discomfort. It’s not always a stabbing pain. In women, it can feel like squeezing, pressure or fullness.
• Other body pain. Discomfort in the lower chest, stomach, jaw or neck can all signal a heart attack.

If you think you’re having a heart attack, getting care immediately is crucial to reduce damage to the heart. If you experience any of the signs, call 911.