When it comes to heart attacks, symptoms in women can often look very different than those in men—so much so that they’re frequently mistaken for less serious issues like indigestion, fatigue, or anxiety. While chest pain remains the most common symptom for both sexes, women are more likely to experience subtle or “atypical” signs such as jaw pain, nausea, shortness of breath, or extreme tiredness. These differences not only delay diagnosis but also reduce the likelihood of timely treatment, putting women’s lives at greater risk. Despite heart disease being the leading cause of death in women, longstanding myths and biases have contributed to a gender gap in awareness, care, and outcomes, according to the British Heart foundation and Mayo clinic. Understanding these variations is key to saving lives.
Different heart attack symptoms in women
According to Mayo Clinic, Unlike men, women often report symptoms such as:
- Neck, jaw, shoulder, or upper back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Unusual fatigue
- Pain in one or both arms
- Sweating or indigestion
These signs may not be accompanied by chest pain and are more likely to occur during rest or sleep. This makes them easier to ignore or misattribute to non-cardiac issues.
Why do women experience different symptoms?
The biological structure of women’s hearts and blood vessels differs slightly from men’s. Women are more prone to small vessel heart disease (also called coronary microvascular disease), where smaller arteries get blocked rather than the large ones. Hormonal factors, particularly estrogen levels before and after menopause, also play a role in how women experience and respond to heart disease.
Risk factors that impact women differently
Certain risk factors affect women more strongly than men. These include:
- Smoking
- Emotional stress and depression
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy complications (like preeclampsia)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus or scleroderma)
- Menopause
Women with diabetes, for example, are more likely to have silent heart attacks, while stress and depression can trigger cardiovascular issues more readily in women.
Barriers to diagnosis and treatment
According to the British Heart foundation, Research shows that women are often underdiagnosed and undertreated for heart disease. They are less likely to be referred for diagnostic tests, receive aspirin or statins, or be offered cardiac rehabilitation after a heart event. Misconceptions and gender bias in healthcare can further delay treatment and worsen outcomes.
Prevention and lifestyle tips for women
To lower the risk of heart disease, women should:
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight through exercise and diet
- Manage stress through mindfulness and support groups
- Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night
These lifestyle steps are supported by heart health experts at both Mayo Clinic and the British Heart Foundation. Call emergency services immediately if you notice symptoms such as sudden chest discomfort, pain in your neck or arms, shortness of breath, or intense fatigue.
