During the American Heart Association’s Heart Month, a medical professional from Knoxville Hospital and Clinics is warning women to be mindful of their own risk of heart attack, and to keep in mind that men and women can have different symptoms.

Julie Waltenberger is a cardio-pulmonary rehab specialist; she tells KNIA/KRLS News men often complain of tightness in their chest, radiating pain or the feeling that a large object is sitting on them. But women may have a different reaction.

“Women, not saying that they can’t have that chest pressure or that chest pain, they can; but what they have is lethargy, meaning they’re tired; they end up with some shortness of breath with it; they might have some nausea and some cold sweats with it,” Waltenberger says.

“They may not have the chest pain symptom like a man has; and so…women can kind of downplay that, ‘Well, I’m not having that chest pressure,’ and not seek some help.”

Waltenberger says it’s very important women experiencing these symptoms seek medical help as soon as possible, in the emergency room or at least with their own medical provider.