Jun 19, 2022 Is It a Heart Attack? What to Watch For

Chest pain is only one warning sign—and may not appear in a woman.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a heart attack.

Know what the warning signs may be—and realize that they may be different for a woman than for a man. It’s common for women to experience more subtle angina (chest pain), as well as shortness of breath and upper back pain prior to having a heart attack.

Call 911 as soon as you think you or someone you’re with may be having a heart attack.

Typical Warning Signs in Men

  • Squeezing chest pressure or pain
  • Jaw, neck or back pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Indigestion

Typical Warning Signs in Women

  • Chest pain, but not always
  • Jaw, neck or upper back pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
  • Fainting
  • Indigestion

heart attack warning signs for men and women

Whoever your heart beats for, our hearts beat for you.

Connect with a top cardiovascular expert at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.