Most of the time, heart disease looks the same for women and men. However, the National Institutes of Health found that women are more likely to experience a ‘silent’ heart attack, i.e. one without pressure or pain in the chest. Often, these symptoms can seem related to less threatening conditions like acid reflux, the flu or simply aging. But it’s important to pay attention to your body. Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be serious.
men and women both report:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaw, neck or back pain
- Pain in one or both arms
- Pain or pressure in the upper chest
- Shortness of breath
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
women are more likely to report:
- Indigestion
- Pain or pressure in the upper back between the shoulder blades
- Pain or pressure in the upper abdomen
- Sudden dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
- Unexplained fatigue
- Sudden anxiety or the feeling of a panic attack
