What women feel more often
A 2020 meta-analysis of 27 studies compared the symptoms of women and men with acute coronary syndrome, the condition from which a heart attack develops. In women too, chest pain is the most common sign: 74% had it, compared with 79% of men. But women more often had:
- pain between the shoulder blades – the clearest difference
- nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath
Chest pain and sweating were somewhat less common in women. The symptoms overlap a great deal. The authors therefore write that they should no longer be called “typical” and “atypical”.
Why time matters
A 2026 meta-analysis of more than 127,000 patients shows that women take longer to reach hospital. The difference is even clearer in the time until they seek help themselves.
The German Heart Foundation writes that every second counts in a heart attack and that many people hesitate too long before calling the emergency number.
It also advises calling an ambulance for less specific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath or upper abdominal pain if they are stronger than anything you have felt before.
What pregnancy has to do with it
Pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure with organ involvement during pregnancy, has effects beyond the birth. According to a 2024 meta-analysis of 22 studies, women who had it later face roughly double the risk of cardiovascular disease. This shows within the first few years and is still present decades later. If you had pre-eclampsia, you can mention it to your GP so that blood pressure and other risk factors stay in view.