Heart attack symptoms in men vs women: know the difference

Spotting the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack isn’t just about looking after yourself – it’s about being there for the people who count on you. Acting quickly can make all the difference when it comes to heart health, so being aware and staying alert is crucial. 
 
While heart disease has long been seen as a ‘men’s issue,’ it’s actually one of the leading causes of death for Australian women too. In fact, cardiovascular disease is responsible for one in three deaths in women – more than any other cause, including cancer. But knowing the signs means you can take control early and protect your heart health. 
 
“Heart attacks can look different for men and women,” explains Dr Hamish Black. “In women, the signs can be more subtle and easier to miss. The more you know, the more confident you can feel about taking care of yourself and others.” 

What is a heart attack? 

A heart attack usually happens when blood flow to part of the heart is suddenly blocked, stopping oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. Without quick treatment, this can lead to serious damage. 

"Common risk factors for heart attacks include your genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, an unhealthy diet and diabetes. But by recognising the early signs of heart disease, you can take action before things get serious. Prevention is key – making healthy choices throughout your life can lower your risk and help protect your heart," says Dr. Hamish. 

What are the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack? 

 When we think of a heart attack, we often picture someone clutching their chest in pain. And while that’s a common symptom, it doesn’t always look that way.  
 Here are what some common heart attack symptoms might look like: 

• Chest discomfort – a feeling of pressure, tightness or heaviness 

• Pain radiating to the jaw, shoulder, left arm or back 

• Shortness of breath 

• Sweating 

• Light-headedness 

• Nausea 

Heart attacks: men vs. women 

Heart attack symptoms can be different for men and women. It’s not about one set of symptoms being more serious, it’s just that they show up differently. Women, especially over 45, might mistake symptoms for stress, a busy day or general fatigue. But if something feels off, it’s worth checking in with your GP. Here are some of the common symptoms that you may notice: 

What men often notice: 

• Chest pain 

• Pain radiating down the left arm 

• Sweating 

• Difficulty breathing 

What women often notice: 

• Unusual fatigue during normal activities 

• Dizziness 

• Pressure in the upper back, jaw or shoulders 

• Feelings of anxiety or unease  

“Fatigue, nausea or jaw pain might not seem urgent, but they can be early warning signs. The more we tune in to what our body is telling us, the more confident we can feel about taking care of our heart.” Hamish explains. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms: 

• Call Triple Zero (000). Help the person, or yourself, sit down and do your best to stay calm 

• Start CPR if the person becomes unresponsive 

• Use a defibrillator (AED) if one is available and the person is unconscious. If you’re unsure how to use one, consider taking a first aid course to learn essential life-saving skills like CPR and defibrillator use.  

Take control of your heart health  

When it comes to heart disease, acting early is one of the best things you can do. “If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait for it to get worse. A quick chat with your GP and getting a heart check can give you the clarity you need - and in some cases, it could save your life,” says Dr. Hamish Black.  

Some risk factors for heart disease are out of your control – like your age, sex and family history. But many of the biggest risks are things you can change. These are called modifiable risk factors and working on them can significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Modifiable risk factors include things such as:  

• Quit smoking: if you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the most powerful things you can change to reduce your risk

• Regular exercise: you don’t have to hit the gym but find something that works for you and your lifestyle and aim for 30 minutes of exercise a day. 

• Improving your diet: adding more vegetables, legumes and wholegrains to your meals helps keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check. 

 If you’re an nib member, you may also be eligible to access a Heart Health Management Program. These programs offer personalised support to manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol, giving you added peace of mind to focus on the good stuff.  

Please note: The information throughout this article serves as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.