Ladies, it's no secret that men's and women's bodies work differently. So, it's important to know that your female body may use atypical signs to tell you that something might be wrong with your heart.

Unlike what you see in the movies when men clutch their chests in pain, women often have different heart attack symptoms. That's why it's important to know the tell-tale signs — for women. If you notice any of the following symptoms, especially in combination, you might be having a heart attack:

  • Fatigue, weakness and dizziness
  • Unexplained pain in the back, abdomen or jaw
  • Unexplained nausea or indigestion
  • Cold sweats
  • Leg pain

It doesn't stop there. In addition to the unique symptoms above, women can also have all the same symptoms as men:

  • Sharp chest pains
  • Shortness of breath
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
  • Flu-like symptoms

It's important to know that no two heart attacks are the same. In a cardiac crisis, every second matters. If you think you are having a heart attack or experience any of the symptoms above, call 911 immediately. The faster you get to the hospital, the better the outcome.

West Valley Medical Center has earned recognition for providing exceptional care for patients with heart conditions. We have far surpassed national "best practices" standards, with speedy care from the moment you come into our ER. For example, this Caldwell hospital is nationally recognized with accreditations for treating atrial fibrillation, chest pain and heart failure.

Take our Heart Health Assessment to discover important information about your heart health.