Just Indigestion? Think Again

Nausea, fatigue, and weakness are often blamed on the flu. But in some cases, these symptoms could signal something more serious—like a heart problem, especially in women.

Understanding the differences can help you seek care sooner and protect your health.

A Real Story: When Symptoms Were Misleading

Eve Walker didn’t fit the profile of someone with heart disease: She was 28 years old, wore size 6 clothing, and was in great physical shape through modern dancing. The Los Angeles resident kept busy with her job at a large corporation, but she found herself exhausted after walking up a simple ramp or a flight of stairs.

One day after work, she struggled through extreme fatigue to get to her car. Her legs "felt like tree trunks," and she decided to go stay with her mom for a few days. She took high doses of aspirin but still didn't feel her symptoms were serious enough to seek medical help. Two days later, she felt something like a mosquito bite on her leg and then a tingling sensation that traveled up the left side of her body. To her shock, when she finally went to the hospital, she discovered that she had suffered a heart attack.

The widely publicized symptoms for heart attacks for men don't always hold true for women. Men often feel extreme discomfort or pressure in their upper body, described as an "elephant sitting on my chest." Exercise and physical exertion provoke heart attacks in men, and they report radiating pain from their chest to their arms, shoulders, neck, and abdomen. These symptoms are usually obvious and easy to recognize.

Women, however, can suffer heart attacks without realizing it.

Why Heart Attack Symptoms Can Be Missed

Heart attack symptoms are often portrayed as intense chest pain—but that’s not always the case, especially for women.

Typical Symptoms (More Common in Men)

• Chest pressure or tightness
• Pain radiating to arms, neck, or shoulders
• Symptoms triggered by exertion

These signs are usually obvious and easier to recognize.

How Symptoms Differ in Women

Women may experience more subtle—or unexpected—symptoms.

Some may not feel chest pain at all.

One woman believed she had indigestion and nausea from a stomach bug—until medical testing revealed she’d had a heart attack.

Common Symptoms in Women

• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Indigestion or abdominal discomfort
• Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or arms

"Female heart attacks many times are more vague and non-specific with symptoms," Dr. Lilian B. Tran, a board-certified internist at MemorialCare Medical Group in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, explains, "While the most common symptoms people look for is chest pain, many women can exhibit arm pain, neck pain, and jaw or back pain when they are having a cardiac event. Because the symptoms are different, many women do not associate this with a major cardiac event and do not seek medical care, which leads to more adverse outcomes. Some women may also have nausea [and] abdominal pain that they relate to the presence of acid reflux."

When Symptoms Feel Like Anxiety or Stress

Heart attack symptoms in women can even be mistaken for a panic attack.

Dr. Tran recalls a patient who:

• Was sweating heavily
• Had trouble breathing
• Thought it was stress

An EKG later showed the symptoms were "consistent with an acute cardiac event."

What Symptoms Are Similar for Men and Women?

While there are differences, many symptoms overlap.

"Chest pain, pressure, and tightness are the most common symptoms in both sexes and are described similarly with regard to the quality of the pain, pattern of radiation, and many associated symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea," explains Dr. John N. Bahadorani, a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.

Shared Symptoms Include:

• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Nausea

Key Differences to Know

Men

• More likely to experience symptoms during physical exertion
• Chest pain is often severe and obvious

Women

• More likely to experience symptoms during:
  • Rest
  • Sleep
  • Stress
• Symptoms may be:
  • Subtle
  • Gradual
  • Easy to misinterpret

When Should You Call Your Doctor?

If you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, it’s always best to check in with a healthcare provider.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent fatigue
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Indigestion that won’t go away

Important:
Seek care right away if symptoms last longer than 30 minutes or worsen.

You may have the flu—but it’s always better to be sure.

Why Awareness Matters

Recognizing the signs of a heart attack—especially when they don’t look typical—can save lives.

"There's a stigma with having any kind of heart or health issue," said Eve Walker, the patient from L.A. "It's important to talk about it because when it comes to your health, what you don't know can kill you."

Listen to Your Body

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

Taking symptoms seriously—even if they seem mild—can help you get the care you need, when it matters most.

Your health is worth the attention.