Heart attack symptoms: Is there a difference between men and women?

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a heart attack. Yet many don't realize that heart attack symptoms can differ dramatically between men and women.

While chest pain is the most well-known sign, women are more likely to have subtle symptoms that are often mistaken for less serious issues. Understanding these differences in symptoms of a heart attack between men and women can save lives. Whether you are looking out for yourself or a loved one, knowing what to watch for and when to seek help is crucial.

Are men or women more likely to have a heart attack?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but men are more likely to have heart attacks at a younger age. According to the American Heart Association, men typically experience their first heart attack around the age of 65, while women’s risk increases significantly after menopause, usually around age 72. But this does not mean women are less at risk. In fact, heart disease is the number one killer of women in the US, and many cases go undiagnosed due to the differences in symptoms.

What is the ratio of heart attacks between men and women?

Statistically, men have heart attacks more often than women. Studies show that for every 100 heart attacks, approximately 70 occur in men and 30 in women. However, heart attacks are more likely to be fatal for women than men. This is often because their symptoms are less recognized, leading to delays in treatment. Additionally, women’s smaller arteries can make heart disease harder to detect using traditional diagnostic methods.

How do heart attack risk factors differ in men and women?

Men and women share many common risk factors for heart attacks, such as:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Family history of heart disease
• Smoking

However, there are sex-specific risks that can play a role in increasing a heart attack for men and women.

• Women: Certain pregnancy-related conditions, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, can increase a woman's risk of developing heart disease later in life. Menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats have been associated with an increased likelihood of high blood pressure, and studies also indicate that experiencing depression during the menopausal transition can be connected to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Men: Men are at increased risk of heart attack earlier in life due to factors like hormone changes, abdominal obesity, lifestyle choices and emotional challenges in middle adulthood.

Difference in heart attack symptoms for men and women

Heart attacks don’t always look the same in men and women. While men often experience the well-known chest pain, women may have more subtle symptoms that can be mistaken for other health issues, leading to delayed treatment and higher risks.

Symptoms in men

Men tend to have the “classic” heart attack symptoms that typically appear suddenly, although they can also have some atypical symptoms as well, such as fatigue or discomfort in the jaw, neck or throat. The most recognized heart attack symptoms in men include:

• Intense chest pain or pressure, often described as a crushing sensation
• Pain that radiates down the left arm
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
• Nausea, vomiting or lightheadedness

Symptoms in women

Women, on the other hand, are more likely to have symptoms that are often mistaken for other conditions, such as indigestion or stress. These include:

• Discomfort or pressure in the chest (not always severe) that comes and goes
• Pain in the back, jaw, shoulders or neck
• Unexplained fatigue, even days before the heart attack
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, dizziness or vomiting

Some of these warning signs appear for days or weeks before a heart attack occurs. And because women’s symptoms are not always as obvious, they may be more likely to dismiss them or be misdiagnosed. This is why it’s critical to recognize these warning signs and seek medical attention immediately.

Know when to get emergency help for a heart attack

If you or someone you love experiences any of these symptoms, do not ignore them. Time is of the essence when it comes to heart attacks. Call 911 immediately and seek emergency care. Early treatment can minimize damage to the heart and increase the chances of survival. Even if symptoms seem mild or unusual, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Find a heart specialist

Understanding the signs of a heart attack could save your life or the life of someone you love. If you have concerns about your heart health, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist to assess your risk and take immediate steps toward heart attack prevention.

Are you at risk for heart disease? Take this short quiz and find out.