Many people still think of heart disease as a predominantly male affliction. But the truth is, it is one of the leading causes of death regardless of gender. In fact, heart disease is even more dangerous to the fairer sex. "Women are less likely than men to recognize symptoms of a heart attack, which are often different for women than they are for men," explains Martha Gulati, MD, MS, FACC, FAHA, an associate professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology at Ohio State University and co-author of Saving Women's Hearts.

Women more likely to die from a heart attack than men

Because their symptoms are less obvious -- 43 percent don't get the classic symptom of chest pain that is usually associated with a heart attack -- women in general wait longer to go to an emergency room. And the consequences are deadly: "Women are more likely to die from a heart attack than men, particularly younger women," says Gulati. "Women under the age of 50 who have a heart attack are twice as likely to die from it, compared with men under the age of 50."

Learning to recognize the early warning signs of heart attack can make the difference between life and death -- the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of surviving a heart attack. Here are the heart attack warning signs women are most likely to miss. If you do experience one or more of these signs, get them checked out ASAP.

1. Milder, less typical pain

Rather than obvious chest pain, women may feel the less severe sensation of tightening or fullness around the chest area. Pain or discomfort can also occur in other areas, such as in the upper back, shoulders, neck or jaw.

2. Intense fatigue

Extreme or unusual fatigue could be an early warning sign of heart disease or an impending heart attack. More than 70 percent of women experience marked flu-like exhaustion in the days or weeks prior to their heart attacks.

3. Shortness of breath

Almost 58 percent of women report having trouble breathing or panting for no apparent reason before a heart attack.

4. Sleep disturbances

Nearly half of women experience unexplained insomnia or wake up during the night in the weeks before the attack.

5. Profuse sweating

Breaking out in a cold sweat is common among women having a heart attack. A pale or ashen face and cold and clammy skin are other tell-tale signs.

6. Nausea or lightheadedness

Prior to a heart attack, women often experience dizziness, feeling faint or even vomiting.