As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. Some women having a heart attack describe upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them.
If you have any of these signs, call 911 and get to a hospital right away:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It may last more than a few minutes or go away and come back
- Pain or discomfort in:
- Arms (one or both)
- Back
- Neck
- Jaw
- Stomach
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Other signs, including:
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
Women may have other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as:
- Anxiety
- Shortness of breath
- Upset stomach
- Pain in the shoulder, back or arm
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
Source: American Heart Association