Reporting on heart attacks in women highlights the risk of dismissing unexplained breathlessness, persistent nausea, and back or jaw pain as anxiety or flu. These symptoms are not exclusive to women, however, and sudden, persistent chest pain or pressure is a major warning sign in both sexes. Pain can spread to the arm, neck, or jaw and occur with cold sweats, dizziness, or shortness of breath. The key is not to rule out a cardiac problem because the person or symptoms differ from a familiar stereotype.