The symptoms of a heart attack can vary between people assigned male and female at birth.
Heart attacks, also called myocardial infarctions, can present with typical and atypical signs and symptoms. Generally, males tend to present with typical symptoms, while females are more likely to present with atypical symptoms. The main overall complaint is chest pain, but females are more likely to have additional symptoms.
Differences in presentation can lead people to have difficulty recognizing when a heart attack is occurring. This can cause a delay in treatment and potentially worsen people’s outcomes.
This article reviews the differences in heart attack symptoms in males and females, what to do if a heart attack occurs, common risk factors for a heart attack, and more.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Heart attack symptoms tend to follow a more typical path in males than in females, according to a
The researchers note that males are likely to experience chest, arm, or jaw pain that may be dull, heavy, tight, or crushing.
Males also report chest pain as the predominant complaint about 13–15% more frequently than females. This may be due to the questions they answer during intake at the hospital.
A 2020 study found evidence that suggests male adults under the age of 50 years have a higher chance of survival following a heart attack compared with females of a similar age. The authors note that males were more likely to leave the hospital with more guideline-directed therapies that included different medications, such as aspirin and beta blockers.
Learn more about heart attack symptoms in males.
Females have a higher chance of developing more atypical symptoms of a heart attack.
According to a
- pain that presents in different parts of the body
- nausea and vomiting
- shortness of breath
- heavy sweating
- dizziness
The
According to a
The researchers found that females presented with several unique patterns. This may help improve the training and education of doctors in the future.
Learn more about heart attack symptoms in females.
When heart attack symptoms occur, a person should call 911 immediately. This is
When paramedics arrive, they can begin administering treatment if they suspect the person is having a heart attack.
A bystander or companion
Click here for a complete guide on how to perform CPR.
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack. People may be able to take steps to minimize certain risk factors.
Risk factors can include:
- an unhealthy diet
- the presence of underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure
- low physical activity levels
- a family history of heart disease
- older age
According to survey data from 1999–2010, about
- smoking
- unmanaged high blood pressure
- unmanaged high blood cholesterol
Some preventive steps a person can take to reduce their risk of heart attack
- quitting smoking, if applicable
- maintaining a healthy weight
- eating a heart-healthy diet
- exercising regularly
- taking steps to manage stress as much as possible
- treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol
- managing any chronic conditions, such as diabetes
The following sections provide answers to common questions about heart attacks.
What are the symptoms of a “mini” heart attack in a male?
People may refer to a heart attack that results from a partial artery blockage rather than a complete blockage as a mini or minor heart attack. However, this is not a medical term.
Symptoms of a heart attack from a partial artery blockage in a male resemble those of a heart attack from a complete blockage. They
- pain in the chest that lasts more than 10 minutes
- pain that radiates to either the arm, neck, or jaw
- nausea or vomiting
- fainting
- shortness of breath
- heavy sweating
- fatigue
How long can a female have symptoms before a heart attack?
A study from 2003 involving more than 500 female participants suggests that
What is a “silent” heart attack?
Some possible signs of a silent heart attack include:
- chest pain, fullness, pressure, or discomfort
- discomfort in other areas of the body
- nausea
- cold sweats
- trouble breathing
- dizziness
These symptoms may vary between people. They may go away quickly or within a few minutes.
Heart attacks can cause similar symptoms in all people. However, people assigned female at birth have a higher chance of experiencing atypical signs and symptoms. Doctors are also more likely to miss the diagnosis of a heart attack in females.
Any person may experience chest pain or discomfort during a heart attack, but those assigned male at birth tend to report chest pain more frequently. They are also more likely to receive follow-up care.
A person should call 911 if they believe they or someone in their vicinity may be experiencing a heart attack. Paramedics can provide prompt care at the scene and on the way to the hospital.