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Heart attack signs women shouldn't ignore

Symptoms in women can look different. Know what to watch for.

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Quick answer

  • Women can have a heart attack without crushing chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath, nausea, unusual tiredness, and pain in the jaw, back or arm are common signs.
  • If you think it is a heart attack, call 911 right away.

What's happening

A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. Symptoms in women are often milder or spread out, so they get dismissed as stress or indigestion.

Key facts

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women in Canada.

Many women do not know their own risk.

Menopause raises heart risk.

Lower estrogen changes cholesterol and blood vessels.

What you can do

  • Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers.
  • Stay active most days of the week.
  • Tell your family the warning signs.

When to get help

  • Any possible heart attack symptoms: call 911. Do not drive yourself to hospital.

This guide is for general information. Check with your health provider about your own situation. Facts checked against the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Related guides

General information only, not medical advice. Need help now? Emergency 911. Nurse advice 811. Suicide crisis: call or text 988.