Signs & Symptoms of Heart Attack A woman’s heart attack has more varied symptoms than a man’s. While women can experience the powerful chest and arm pain typical in men, they more often experience mild symptoms and NO CHEST DISCOMFORT. Because the tendency can lead to misdiagnosis by physicians, women must be extra cautious. Any of the following symptoms may occur in both men and women, but again, some are more likely to occur in women: Classic symptoms Squeezing chest pain or pressure Shortness of breath Sweating Tightness in chest Recurring chest discomfort Pain spreading to shoulders, neck or arms Clammy skin or paleness More likely in women Indigestion or gas-like pain Dizziness, nausea or vomiting Unexplained weakness, fatigue Discomfort/pain between shoulder blades Sense of anxiety or impending doom Remember: While women usually experience the more subtle symptoms above, they can also display any one of the classic heart attack warning signs. The Heart of a Woman The nature of heart disease in women is a different from that in men, including symptoms and prevention. Crouse Hospital’s healthcare team recognizes the special challenges of treating women with heart disease. Through our Women's HeartAdvantage initiative, we are sparking awareness among patients and physicians, alerting them to the difference in women's symptoms and the importance of aggressively treating women with high risk factors. One of the goals of Women's HeartAdvantage is to educate women about their unique signs and symptoms so they will seek appropriate medical care if necessary. Women delay more than men in recognizing symptoms and often hesitate in seeking care. Some don't want to go to the emergency department if they're not sure they're experiencing a heart attack. However, delay can be fatal for women who don't heed symptoms. Crouse Hospital urges women to let our emergency room staff be the judge of that--come in immediately if you suspect you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack! Be Prepared If you or a loved one experiences any of the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack: Call 9-1-1 and get to the emergency room quickly to minimize possible damage to your heart. Consider taking aspirin at the first sign of heart attack symptoms. Ask your doctor to review heart attack symptoms during your annual checkup. Discuss these with your friends and family along with the importance of calling 9-1-1 if these symptoms occur.