4 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 1 Heart attack symptoms for men and women Men and women can experience heart attack symptoms differently. Many of the symptoms overlap, but not all. These symptoms can happen to anyone who’s having a heart attack, regardless of their gender: • Chest pain. The classic heart attack symptom is pain coming from the left side of your chest. • Arm pain. This can be in either arm or shoulder. • Shortness of breath. This can happen with or without chest pain. • Feeling weak. This can come with light-headedness, fainting or breaking out into a cold sweat. • Jaw, neck or back pain. Don’t write off other upper body pain. It can signal a heart attack too. Symptoms for women Chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom for women and men alike. But women are more likely to have other, lesser-known symptoms, such as: • Unexplained tiredness. This heart attack symptom is common for women and easy to overlook. • Nausea or vomiting. Don’t assume it’s something you ate or that you caught a bug. • Back pain. This can show up as upper back discomfort. It’s not always a stabbing pain. In women, it can feel like squeezing, pressure or fullness. • Other body pain. Discomfort in the lower chest, stomach, jaw or neck can all signal a heart attack. If you think you’re having a heart attack, getting care immediately is crucial. If you experience any of the signs, call 911. Getting care quickly can reduce damage to the heart. Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lake Charles Memorial Health System is helping ensure healthier hearts across SWLA. Hearti Gras is a celebration during National Heart Health Awareness Month with all the jazz of the Mardi Gras season. The proceeds of Hearti Gras support The Foundation at Lake Charles Memorial’s Heart Fund. Laissez les bon temps rouler—it’s season!
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