Heart attack symptoms by gender

Heart attack symptoms can differ for men and women. A feeling of chest pressure or heaviness is common, but some people may experience mild pain while other have sharp, more severe pain. Some heart attacks strike suddenly, but symptoms could also occur hours, days or weeks in advance. It's important to know the symptoms, which can include:

• cold sweat, fatigue, light headedness or sudden dizziness
• pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms
• shortness of breath
• nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
• sudden weakness and/or unusual tiredness, light headedness
• pain that moves to your shoulders, neck, arms, jaw, teeth or back and is spread around. Other possible locations of pain caused by heart problems are midchest, shoulders, elbows, upper abdomen or fingers
• shortness of breath
• discomfort or pain in your upper body or chest such as pressure, squeezing or tightness
• cold sweat
• nausea or loss of appetite

For both men and women—act immediately!

If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911.