Why Do Women Have Different Heart Attack Symptoms?

By Vanshika Gaur
25 Jul 2025, 15:00 IST

Heart attacks are often caused by blocked arteries, including symptoms like sweating, vomiting, and others. However, women may experience different symptoms before getting a heart attack. Tap to know more!

Shortness Of Breath

While many people may face shortness of breath and chest pain before a heart attack, women may mistake it as difficulty breathing as they don't experience any chest pain.

Anxiety

The autonomic nervous system undergoes changes when the heart struggles in pumping blood, which is often mistook as anxiety or panic attack.

Smaller Coronary Arteries

Women have smaller and narrower coronary arteries, which may develop larger blockages and lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and more.

Fatigue

Many women may experience fatigue or disrupted sleep weeks before heart attack due to inflammation, hormonal response to heart strain, and more.

Upset Stomach

You may experience an upset stomach before a heart attack, as reduced blood flow to digestive organs can be misinterpreted as indigestion by the brain.

Information Credits

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, women may experience different heart attack symptoms, such as shortness of breath, anxiety, and more. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised suggestions.