Lori Mosca, MD, PhD Responds:

Lori Mosca, MD, PhD, the director of preventive cardiology at New York–Presbyterian Hospital, responds: The most common symptom of a heart attack for both men and women is chest pain. Shortness of breath and sweating often accompany the pain. But women are more likely than men to experience what are called atypical, or less-common, signs and symptoms of heart disease, which may occur long before an actual heart attack. These include unexplained fatigue, dizziness or light-headedness, headache, upset stomach and nausea, rapid heartbeat, and a feeling of impending doom. Some of these symptoms are common physical ailments and easily overlooked, so it is important for women to talk to their doctors if anything seems out of the ordinary. 

If you are not sure what you're feeling, it is best to err on the side of caution and have a doctor check you promptly. This is a good idea, anyway, as most women aren't aware of their personal risk for heart disease. A doctor can assess symptoms, family history, personal history, blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood glucose, waist size, and other risk factors for heart disease to determine the need for further evaluation. If symptoms are sudden, severe, or persistent, it is best to call 911 or your local emergency number, because time is of the essence when it involves a heart attack.