What might women experience differently during a heart attack compared to men?

Women may experience different symptoms during a heart attack compared to men, and these symptoms can often be atypical or less recognized. The classic signs that women might experience, such as dizziness or shortness of breath, are significant because they highlight that heart attacks in women can manifest in ways that are not always immediately associated with typical heart symptoms like severe chest pain.

This means that women may not present with the same clear-cut symptoms that are often depicted in training and literature, which can lead to delay in recognition and treatment. Understanding these varied symptoms is critical for timely intervention, as heart disease remains a leading cause of death among women. This awareness can significantly impact how women respond to their own symptoms and how others may react when they present with signs of distress.