Heart attacks cause the deaths of millions of people worldwide every year. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, approximately 9.5 million lives annually, accounting for about 16% of all deaths globally.

When people hear "heart attack," they often picture symptoms like severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. However, a heart attack does not always manifest in this way. Sometimes, the body exhibits signs that people overlook, dismissing them as minor or common issues.

Issues such as gas, acidity, and stomach pain can also be associated with a heart attack. Symptoms—particularly in women—can often differ from the typical presentation. This is why health experts advise everyone to pay close attention to potential heart attack symptoms.

How exactly does a heart condition affect the stomach, and when should stomach pain be taken seriously? Let us explore this in detail.

Health experts explain that heart attacks can lead to stomach-related issues. These may include nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper abdomen—symptoms that require serious attention.

Pain in the Upper Abdomen

A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessels supplying blood and oxygen to the heart muscles. While chest pressure or pain is the most well-known sign, the discomfort is not always confined to the chest.

In some cases, pain may also be felt in the upper abdomen during a heart attack. This pain can radiate to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders, or arms.
People often mistake these abdominal symptoms for gas, acidity, or indigestion. Experts from the American Heart Association state that chest discomfort accompanied by abdominal pain or nausea should be taken seriously.

**Abdominal symptoms of heart attacks in women**

Studies indicate that gastrointestinal issues—such as nausea, indigestion, and a sensation of pressure in the upper abdomen—are common symptoms of heart attacks in women, yet they are frequently overlooked.

While chest pain is a common symptom of heart attacks in women, the presentation of symptoms can vary among individuals.

These symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, dizziness, and sweating.

Consequently, many women mistake these symptoms for gas, indigestion, acidity, or general fatigue.

American Heart Association experts note that heart attacks in women can sometimes occur without severe chest pain; therefore, close attention should be paid to other associated symptoms.

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