February is American Heart Month
Posted on January 28, 2025
Do You Know the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
In recognition of American Heart Month, we’re sharing the following information to help you learn the signs of a heart attack.
A heart attack strikes someone every 40 seconds in the U.S. If it happens to you, getting help right away is key to recovery. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of a heart attack. Men and women can experience heart attack symptoms differently. Many of the symptoms overlap, but not all.
Symptoms for men and women
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.
If you aren’t having an emergency but have questions about heart health, make an appointment with your primary care provider or your specialist. Use our search tool to find Health New England network primary care providers and specialists at healthnewengland.org/medicare/provider.
Heart Healthy Activity: Learn how to monitor your blood pressure at home with The Blood Pressure Challenge. Download material at healthnewengland.org/wellness/preventive-care.
Need a Blood Pressure Cuff? Use your Over-the-Counter (OTC) care items allowance to purchase a blood pressure cuff for easy home monitoring. Learn more at healthnewengland.org/medicare/OTC-2025.
Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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