page 

Pay Attention

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

womenshealth.gov

1-800-994-9662

TDD: 1-888-220-5446

Na t i o n a l Wo m e n’s He a l t h I n f o r m a t i o n Ce n t e r

Symptoms of 

Serious Health 

Conditions

Print-and-Go Guide

The following symptoms could be signs 

of serious health conditions and should be 

checked by a doctor or nurse. It is important 

to note that you might feel symptoms in 

one part of your body that could actually 

mean a problem in another part. Even if 

the symptoms don’t seem related, they 

could be. Keep track of your symptoms. If 

you have any of these symptoms, make an 

appointment to see your doctor. Listen to 

what your body is telling you, and be sure 

to describe every symptom in detail to your 

doctor.

Note: A chart of diagnostic tests that your 

provider might order is also available.

Signs of a heart attack

The most common sign of a 

heart attack is mild or strong 

pain or discomfort in the 

center of the chest. It can last 

more than a few minutes, or it can go away 

and come back.

Other common signs of a heart attack 

include:

l pain or discomfort in one or both arms, 

back, neck, jaw, or stomach

l shortness of breath (feeling like you can’t 

get enough air)

l nausea or vomiting

l feeling faint or woozy

l breaking out in a cold sweat

Warning: Some women may feel very 

tired, sometimes for days or weeks before a 

heart attack occurs. Women may also have 

heartburn, a cough, or heart flutters or lose 

their appetite.

Signs of a stroke

A stroke happens fast. The 

most common signs of a stroke 

are sudden:

l numbness or weakness of 

the face, arm, or leg, especially on one 

side of the body

l trouble seeing in one or both eyes

l trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of 

balance or coordination

l confusion or trouble speaking or 

understanding

l severe headache with no known cause

If you have any of these symptoms or see 

anyone with these symptoms, call 911 right 

away. Every minute counts!
page 

Pay Attention

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

womenshealth.gov

1-800-994-9662

TDD: 1-888-220-5446

Na t i o n a l Wo m e n’s He a l t h I n f o r m a t i o n Ce n t e r

Symptoms of 

reproductive health 

problems

l bleeding or spotting 

between periods

l itching, burning, or irritation (including 

bumps, blisters, or sores) of the vagina or 

genital area

l pain or discomfort during sex

l severe or painful bleeding with periods

l moderate to severe pelvic or abdominal 

pain

l unusual (for you) vaginal discharge of 

any type or color or with strong odor

l pain or other problems while urinating 

or moving bowels

Symptoms of breast 

problems

l hard lump or knot in or 

near the breast or in your 

underarm

l dimpling, puckering, or ridges of the 

skin on the breast

l change in the size or shape of your breast

l clear or bloody fluid that leaks out of 

nipple

l itchy or scaly sore or rash on the nipple

l unusual swelling, warmth, or redness

Symptoms of lung 

problems

l coughing up blood or 

mucus

l shortness of breath

l wheezing

l a cough that won’t go away

l uncomfortable or painful breathing

l a feeling of tightness in the chest

Symptoms of stomach or 

digestive problems

l bleeding from the rectum

l blood or mucus in the 

stool (including diarrhea) 

or black or clay-colored stools

l change in bowel habits or not being able 

to control bowels

l constipation, diarrhea, or both

l heartburn or acid reflux (feels like 

burning in throat or mouth)

l stomach pain or discomfort, such as 

bloating

l nausea and vomiting

l unexplained weight loss or weight gain

Symptoms of bladder problems

l difficult or painful urination

l frequent urination, intense 

urges to urinate, or loss of 

bladder control

l urine that is bloody, 

cloudy, dark, or strong 

smelling

l long-term pain in the back or sides

Symptoms of skin 

problems

l changes in the skin, such 

as changes in existing 

moles or new growths

l moles that are no longer round or have 

irregular borders

l moles that change colors or change in 

size (usually get bigger)

l frequent flushing (a sudden feeling of 
page 

Pay Attention

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

womenshealth.gov

1-800-994-9662

TDD: 1-888-220-5446

Na t i o n a l Wo m e n’s He a l t h I n f o r m a t i o n Ce n t e r

heat)

l jaundice (when the skin and whites of 

the eyes turn yellow)

l painful, crusting, scaling, or oozing sores 

that don’t heal

l sensitivity to sun

Symptoms of muscle or 

joint problems

l muscle pains and body 

aches that are persistent, or 

that come and go often

l numbness, tingling (pins and needles 

sensation), or discomfort in hands, feet, 

or limbs

l pain, stiffness, swelling, or redness in or 

around joints

Symptoms of mental 

health problems

Note: These symptoms can 

have a physical cause and are 

usually treatable.

l anxiety and constant worry

l depression: feeling empty, sad all the 

time, or worthless

l extreme fatigue, even when rested

l extreme tension that can’t be explained

l flashbacks and nightmares about 

traumatic events

l no interest in getting out of bed or 

doing regular activities, including eating 

or sex

l thoughts about suicide and death

l seeing or hearing things that aren’t there 

(hallucinations)

l seeing things differently from what they 

are (delusions)

l “baby blues” that haven’t gone away 

two weeks after giving birth and seem to 

get worse over time

l thoughts about harming yourself or your 

baby after giving birth

l desire to starve or vomit on purpose

l desire to binge on food excessively

Content last updated September 10, 2008.