Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

On this page you will learn about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. You will learn various risks factors and the heart attack symptoms in women.

A heart attack occurs when one or more of the arteries supplying your heart muscle with blood and oxygen is blocked, usually by a blood clot in a coronary artery. A coronary artery over time can also become narrow from the build up of fatty deposits or plaque. The interrupted blood flow to the heart muscle can damage or destroy a part of the heart muscle.

If you experience a heart attack, it could be a life-threatening event. You and your family should know the warning signs of a heart attack and how to get medical help. Each year more than a million people in the United States suffer from a heart attack and half of them will die.

• Chest discomfort that has a feeling of pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of the chest that can last more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
  
  
• Discomfort, pain or numbness extending beyond your chest to one or both arms, the neck, jaw, back or stomach.
  
  
• Heartburn or abdominal pain.
  
  
• Shortness of breath.
  
  
• Sweating, fainting or nausea and vomiting.
  
  
• Anxiety, nervousness and/or cold sweaty skin.
  
  
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  
  
• Skin that is clammy.
  
  
• Pale skin.
  
  
• Unexplainable fatigue.

Women are less likely to believe they are having a heart attack. Therefore, they may be likely to delay emergency medical treatment.

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Some people may have no symptoms of a heart attack. This is called a silent Myocardial infarction or silent heart attack. However, the more signs and symptoms you have, the greater the chance that you are experiencing a heart attack. Heart attacks can happen at any time, while you are resting or at work or play. Some people experience a heart attack warning days or weeks in advance while others can have a sudden heart attack.

• Men over the age of 45.
  
  
• Women over the age of 55.

• Heart disease diagnosed in your father or brother before age 55.
  
  
• Heart disease diagnosed in your mother or sister before the age of 65.

• Eating a diet that is low in cholesterol and fat.
  
  
• Maintaining a good exercise program.
  
  
• Not smoking.
  
  
• Reduce stress.
  
  
• Keeping your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.

Diagnosis and treatment of a heart attack can begin when you call 9-1-1 and emergency medical help arrives. Doctors will work fast at the hospital emergency room to find out if you have had a heart attack or are having one and will administer the recommended treatment.

Doctors will work quickly to help restore your heart's blood flow and continually monitor all your vital signs, while they detect and treat any complications if you are having a heart attack.

After a heart attack long-term treatment may include, check-ups, tests, cardiac rehabilitation, medications and lifestyle changes.

Most people will be able to return to their normal lives after a heart attack. You should check with your doctor before doing any physical activity, work, driving a car, sexual activity or air travel.

It is very important to have an emergency action plan in place if you have had a heart attack, so you will be prepared in case you should have another heart attack. Discuss your emergency action plan with your doctor and make sure that all family members are aware and understand it.