When it comes to heart attacks, timing is everything. The faster you spot the signs and get medical treatment, the better your chances of making a full recovery.
But here’s the tricky part – not all heart attacks look or feel the same. Some symptoms can be surprisingly subtle, especially in women. To make things even more confusing, other less-serious conditions can sometimes feel a lot like a heart attack.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack – also called a myocardial infarction – happens when blood flow to part of the heart gets blocked. Most of the time, it’s caused by a clot or buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Without enough oxygen, that part of the heart muscle can become damaged or start to die.
The stats around heart attacks are sobering:
- In the U.S., someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds
- About 805,000 people have a heart attack each year – 605,000 are first-time events
- Nearly 14 million Americans live with a history of heart attack or angina
- Around 1 in 5 heart attacks happen with no obvious symptoms
- Women have a 20% higher risk of heart failure after a heart attack compared with men
What does a heart attack feel like?
When most people think of a heart attack, they picture sudden chest pain and crushing pressure. While those are common symptoms – especially in men – it’s not always how a heart attack looks, particularly for women.
Common symptoms in men include:
- Chest pain or discomfort (often described as tightness, pressure, squeezing or aching)
- Pain that radiates to the left arm, neck or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea
While chest pain is still the most common sign of a heart attack in men and women, women are more likely to have less “classic” and more subtle symptoms:
- Extreme or unusual fatigue or weakness
- Lightheadedness, dizziness or fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, indigestion or vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Pain or pressure in the upper back, neck, jaw or stomach
Because these symptoms can mimic less serious conditions, many women don’t recognize them as warning signs – which can lead to dangerous delays in getting treatment.
In some cases, a heart attack can happen with no obvious symptoms at all. These “silent” myocardial infarctions are more common in older adults, people with diabetes, and women.
Could something else be causing my chest pain?
Not all chest pain means you’re having a heart attack. A variety of common, noncardiac conditions can cause chest pain that feels similar but isn’t life-threatening.
Some possible causes include:
- Acid reflux or heartburn. When stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, it can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This usually happens after eating or when you lie down.
- Muscle strain or minor chest wall injury. If you’ve done some heavy lifting at the gym, exercised intensely or even slept in a weird position, you may have strained or pulled a chest muscle. The pain usually worsens with movement or deep breathing.
- Anxiety or panic attacks. These can trigger chest tightness, a racing heart, dizziness and shortness of breath. Panic-related chest pain often starts suddenly and eases as anxiety decreases.
If your pain is mild, comes and goes, or is clearly tied to movement or digestion, it may not be your heart. Still, any new, persistent or unexplained chest discomfort should be checked out.
Should I go to urgent care when I have chest pain?
If you’re experiencing mild to moderate chest pain and you’re not in severe distress, Indigo Urgent Care is a great place to start. We treat most minor illnesses and injuries, and we’re also equipped to quickly evaluate your symptoms and determine if you need more advanced care.
At Indigo, you can expect:
- Fast, friendly care with minimal wait times
- On-site EKG testing to detect or rule out heart-related conditions
- Expert assessment by experienced clinicians
- A direct referral to a cardiac specialist or emergency care, if needed
Our neighborhood locations are open 8 am to 8 pm every day, including weekends – so care is always close by when you need it.
When should I go to the ER with chest pain?
Certain symptoms demand immediate emergency care. Call 911 or head straight to your nearest emergency department if you experience:
- Severe or crushing chest pain that feels like a heavy weight or tight band around your chest
- Pain that radiates to other areas, including your arms, back, neck, jaw, or shoulders
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Sweating, nausea or dizziness
- Sudden, sharp or stabbing pain
Bottom line: If you think there’s a chance you might be having a heart attack, don’t wait. Get emergency care right away. It’s always better to be safe.
How can I lower my risk of a heart attack?
Healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk of heart attack and other heart-related conditions. Here’s how to stack the odds in your favor:
- Quit smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and significantly increases heart attack risk. Quitting has immediate and long-term benefits.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
- Manage cholesterol. High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in arteries. Diet, exercise, and medications (if needed) can help you maintain healthy levels.
- Control blood pressure. High blood pressure puts strain on your heart and arteries.
- Stay active. Regular physical activity supports heart health, helps manage weight, and reduces stress. And you don’t need a gym membership to get results. Brisk walking for 30 minutes, 5 days a week makes a big impact.
- Aim for a healthy weight. Excess weight increases the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes – all big risk factors when it comes to heart disease.
- Prioritize sleep. Less than 6 hours of sleep a night is linked to weight gain, increased blood pressure, and inflammation.
- Reduce stress. Chronic stress raises your heart rate and blood pressure and can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors like overeating or smoking.
- Limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can elevate blood pressure, increase triglycerides ,and cause irregular heart rhythms. Limit your intake or consider cutting it out entirely.
- Know your family history. If heart disease runs in your family, talk with a health care provider about early screening.
- Get regular checkups. Even if you feel healthy, routine screenings can uncover silent risk factors before they become a problem.
