Recent research shows that heart attack symptoms in women often differ significantly from those in men. A study published in Circulation found that among 515 women who had heart attacks, most didn’t report classic chest pain.
Instead, symptoms like unusual fatigue, anxiety, and sleep disturbances were more common. Nearly 80% of the women had at least one warning sign for over a month before their heart attack. Despite this, only 65% said they would call 911 if they suspected a heart attack.
Common symptoms in women include sudden or lasting fatigue, sleep issues, lightheadedness, and anxiety. Others may experience shortness of breath, indigestion, or cold sweats. Pain can also occur in areas like the jaw, neck, back, or stomach—not just the chest. This often leads women to misinterpret the signs, thinking it’s a minor issue rather than a cardiac emergency.
