Although women are just as likely to have a heart attack as a man, women are more likely to die if they have a heart attack. This is because women's signs/symptoms of a heart attack are missed more often. Studies have shown that one major reason women’s heart attacks are misdiagnosed—or missed entirely—is because heart attack symptoms often look very different in women than in men. Although chest pain remains the most recognized symptom for both sexes, women more frequently experience a broader range of subtler, less-recognized symptoms. This difference in symptom presentation can make it harder for both women and healthcare providers to recognize a heart attack in the critical early stages, leading to dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment.

While women can experience any of the classic signs of a heart attack, some symptoms occur more frequently in women than men. Nausea and vomiting, for example, are much more common symptoms during a woman’s heart attack experience. Women are also more likely to feel other symptoms, which are not reported as commonly in men. These include symptoms like shortness of breath, pain in areas like the back, jaw, neck, or arms, overwhelming fatigue, anxiety, heavy sweating, or dizziness. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for less serious conditions like acid reflux, anxiety attacks, or even the flu, which is why many women do not recognize that they are having a heart attack.

Heart attack symptoms can sometimes develop gradually over days or weeks, this is something experienced particularly in women. A 2003 study published in the journal Circulation found that 95% of women who experienced a heart attack reported having at least one symptom as early as four weeks beforehand. These symptoms were often overlooked or attributed to other causes, highlighting the need for women to better understand the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack and be vigilant about changes in their bodies.

The first symptoms people think of when it comes to heart attacks or expect to see are pain focused on the chest and radiating down the left arm. However, in women, the pain can often occur in unexpected places like the back, jaw, neck, or even the stomach. Additionally, the pain may not come on suddenly—it can start slowly, come and go, or feel like pressure or fullness rather than sharp pain. This more gradual or fluctuating pattern of pain can be confusing and lead to delays in seeking emergency care or identifying these symptoms as a heart attack.

Another important difference to note is the age at which heart attacks typically occur. While the commonly cited average age for a heart attack is 65, this number primarily reflects data from men. In women, the average age of a first heart attack is closer to 72—approximately seven years later than in men. This later onset can sometimes create a false sense of security among older women, who may not realize they are at risk.

Despite the differences in symptom presentation between men and women, it’s important to remember that chest discomfort remains the most common symptom of a heart attack for both sexes. However, women are much more likely to experience additional symptoms that can easily be mistaken for something less serious. As a result, women who seek medical care for chest pain accompanied by other symptoms may not always receive immediate testing for a heart attack, contributing to delays in diagnosis. It's important for everyone to research and learn the most common heart attack symptoms in both genders.

Because women are more likely to experience so-called “atypical” symptoms (and are less likely to experience the “typical”, often male-presenting symptoms), they are also more likely to misunderstand when they are experiencing a heart attack and delay getting help for this medical emergency. Every minute counts during a heart attack, and early treatment dramatically improves outcomes. That’s why it’s crucial for women—and those around them—to be aware of all the potential warning signs. Recognizing the symptoms early can mean the difference between life and death.