When it comes to heart conditions, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms that you may be having a heart attack. Acute chest pain is the most common warning sign of heart attacks in both men and women.

While men occasionally report nausea or dizziness, women are significantly more likely to experience less typical symptoms, which can lead them to disregard the signs. If in doubt, get checked out. Don’t wait, call 999.

Women: Heart attack warning signs

• Chest pressure
• Pain that spreads to the neck, shoulder and jaw
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Unexplained fatigue/anxiety
• Back or jaw pain
• Lower chest pain

Men: Heart attack warning signs

• Cold sweat
• Squeezing in chest
• Pain in left arm
• Pain that spreads to neck, shoulder and jaw
• Chest pressure

*Information adapted from Northwestern medicine