Nausea and vomiting can be overlooked warning signs of a heart attack, particularly for women, according to health experts. Chantrise Holliman, a heart health educator, shared her experience of a heart attack that presented with nausea, vomiting, and mild chest pressure, symptoms she initially attributed to indigestion.
While chest pain is the most frequent indicator of a heart attack, nausea is also a recognized, though less common, symptom, explained Dr. Sean Heffron, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health. The occurrence and presentation of these symptoms can depend on which blood vessel in the heart is affected. Nausea and vomiting are more commonly reported in women during a cardiac event.
Other heart attack symptoms that women may experience include jaw or neck pain, a dull chest discomfort, upper abdominal pain, back pain, and unusual tiredness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cardiologists note that heart attacks in women can manifest differently than in men, sometimes leading to delayed recognition by both patients and medical professionals.
"It’s so important to hear stories like this, because many women think it has to be like, ‘I’m clutching my chest and falling to the ground like you see in the movies,’ and it can be much more subtle," said Dr. Tara Narula, a cardiologist and NBC News medical contributor. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women in the United States, with one woman dying from cardiovascular disease every 80 seconds.
Nausea is rarely the sole symptom of a heart attack; it is often accompanied by other signs such as chest pressure, as in Holliman's case. However, it is crucial to remember that nausea itself has many common causes unrelated to heart attacks, including food poisoning, stomach flu, or motion sickness. Individuals experiencing nausea alongside other potential heart attack symptoms like sweating, heart palpitations, or dizziness should seek medical attention, especially if they have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
To maintain cardiovascular health, experts recommend following guidelines such as the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 checklist. This includes adopting a diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables; engaging in regular exercise; managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels; ensuring adequate sleep; and avoiding smoking.
Health professionals emphasize that any concerning symptoms should not be dismissed, even if they seem minor. "Don’t hesitate if there’s any concern," Heffron advised. Recognizing the diverse ways heart attacks can present is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.