Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide. Unlike what you see in a movie, heart attack symptoms are challenging to overlook. According to C. Noel Bairey Merz, M.D., director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute in Los Angeles, "two-thirds of women will experience less-typical, non-Hollywood heart attack symptoms."

Detecting the warning signs of a heart attack and obtaining treatment as soon as possible can be the difference between life and death. Though chest tightness and upper body discomfort are more visible, heart attacks include a slew of other symptoms that can be readily misdiagnosed (think nausea, heartburn, and fatigue). Watch out for the following are the most prevalent signs and symptoms of heart attacks.

1. AN EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE PRESSURE

The American Heart Association lists "uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or discomfort in the center of your chest" as the first symptom of a heart attack. This soreness can occur in waves that last longer than a few minutes.

2. BODILY PAIN IN OTHER AREAS

Pain from a heart attack can occur everywhere in the body, including the back, shoulders, arms, neck, and jaw. A problem in the heart, such as a blocked artery, can cause the nerves in your heart to signal that something is wrong, and you will experience discomfort, according to Cleveland Clinic. The vagus nerve connects the heart to the brain, chest, and belly. Hence, you may feel referred pain signals originating from the heart region. The left side of the body can also be affected by pain caused by a heart attack.

A throat or jaw ache by itself is not likely to be heart-related. More likely, it's caused by a muscular issue, a cold, or a sinus problem. But if you have pain or pressure in the center of your chest that spreads up into your throat or jaw, it could signify a heart attack.

3. DIZZINESS

Dizziness can be caused by various factors, including not drinking enough water, skipping lunch, or standing up too quickly. However, dizziness or light-headedness combined with chest pain and shortness of breath may indicate a decline in blood volume and blood pressure, indicating that a heart attack is imminent.

4. FATIGUE

Feeling exhausted after a sleepless night or a hectic day is natural. According to Harvard Health Publishing, women can become tired a month before a heart attack. According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, this symptom is more common in women.

5. INDIGESTION OR NAUSEA

According to Stoney Brook Medicine, gastric symptoms such as a queasy stomach, vomiting, or belching emerge when the heart and other body parts don't get enough blood. Because it's easy to mistake it for acid reflux or heartburn, it's crucial to consult your doctor, especially if you're experiencing additional heart attack symptoms.

6. EXTREME SWEATING

Breaking out in a cold sweat or perspiring excessively could indicate a heart attack unless you're going through menopause or have recently exercised. When you have a heart attack, your nervous system triggers a "fight or flight" response, which puts you in survival mode and may cause you to sweat.

7. PALPITATIONS OF THE HEART

All sorts of things might happen in the body when the heart isn't getting enough blood. According to Stoney Brook Medicine, when the heart is deprived of nutrient-rich blood, it becomes irritated, resulting in heart palpitations. If you experience heart palpitations, arrange an appointment with your doctor very away.

8. EXTREMELY SHORT BREATH

Walking up the stairs used to be a snap, but if you've been finding it increasingly difficult to do so recently, seek medical help immediately. According to the AHA, short breath can occur with or without chest pain. Even if this doesn't imply you're about to have a heart attack right now, it could indicate that your heart is in trouble.

9. SNORING

It's very natural to snore a little while sleeping. You stop breathing for a few seconds while still sleeping multiple times during the night. Sleep apnea can be detected by thunderous snoring that sounds like gasping or choking. Your heart is put under additional strain as a result of this.

Your doctor can determine whether or not you require a sleep study to determine whether or not you have this issue. If this is the case, you may need a CPAP machine to help you breathe more easily while sleeping.

10. A COUGH THAT WON'T QUIT

This isn't always an indicator of a cardiac problem. However, if you have heart disease or know you're at risk, you should be more concerned about the possibilities.

It could indicate heart failure if you have a persistent cough that produces white or pink mucus. When the heart cannot keep up with the body's demands, blood leaks back into the lungs. Inquire with your doctor about the source of your cough.