Heart attack symptoms: Men versus women

As you can see below, men and women have their differences and a few things in common when it comes to how they feel while having heart attacks.

Men Women

Tightening, pressure, squeezing, aching sensation in the chest or arms

Discomfort in the neck or upper back, particularly between the shoulder blades Discomfort or pain in the upper body or chest (such as pressure, squeezing or tightness lasting more than a few minutes)

A sharp, burning or cramping pain

Aching, weakness or numbness that begins in or spreads to the neck, jaw, throat, shoulder or back of the arms Pain that moves to the shoulders, neck, arms, jaw, teeth or back and spreads around
(Other possible locations of pain caused by heart problems are mid-chest, shoulders, elbows, upper abdomen or fingers.)

Generalized weakness Sudden weakness

Severe fatigue

Anxiety Unusual tiredness

Paleness Lightheadedness

Cold sweats Sweating

Difficulty breathing Shortness of breath

Nausea

Vomiting Nausea

Feeling of fullness Loss of appetite

Feeling of indigestion Chronic heartburn beforehand

If what you're experiencing feels unusual or worrisome, contact your doctor.

If you think you are having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or the nearest emergency medical service.