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Symptoms of Heart Attack in Men and Women

Heart attack is a life-threatening emergency, you cannot predict its occurrence. The symptoms can vary widely- one may have minor chest discomfort while someone else may have excruciating pain. But a thing that applies to everyone is the fact that 911 must be dialed or the local emergency medical services number if you suspect you are having a heart attack or someone close by is having one. If emergency medical services aren’t accessible, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. It is only when there is absolutely no other option that you drive by yourself as a last resort.

When it comes to portrayal of heart attacks in movies or TV, they are portrayed as dramatic, chest-clutching events. But in reality, heart attacks often begin with subtle symptoms such as discomfort that cannot even be described as pain. Individuals especially women have this tendency to downplay their symptoms or brush them off as indigestion or anxiety. But it’s advisable not to tough out heart attack symptoms for more than 5 minutes. 911 should immediately be dialed or other emergency medical services for help.

Common Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) Symptoms:
Chest pain or discomfort- The pain or discomfort can be felt as a pressure, fullness or squeezing in the chest lasting more than a few minutes which may come and go.

Shortness of Breath- Shortness of breath occurs prior to development of chest discomfort, or one may not experience any chest discomfort.

Pain in the Upper Body- Discomfort or pain may spread beyond the chest to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. An individual may experience upper body pain with no chest discomfort.

Stomach Pain- Pain may extend downward into the abdominal area which may feel like heartburn.
Other typical MI symptoms include heart palpitations, nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, anxiety and sweating.

When it comes to women, they may have different symptoms, they may have all, none, many or a few of the typical heart attack symptoms. Many women may have MI symptoms without chest pain, such as shortness of breath, abdominal pain or “heartburn”, nausea or vomiting, dizziness or fainting; pain in the neck, back, shoulders or jaw; pain in one or both arms; unusual fatigue.

It is significant to not dismiss MI symptoms in people with diabetes and older adults even if they don’t come across as serious as they tend to have no or very mild symptoms of a heart attack.
Equip yourself in the valuable CPR procedure to be able to face cardiac emergencies successfully in out-of-hospital cases. This emergency procedure is indicated for any person unresponsive with no breathing or breathing only in occasional gasps, as it is most likely they are in cardiac arrest.
If you are on the lookout to sign up for a CPR course in Palm Harbor, enroll at the AHA certified CPR Tampa. Either register online or call on 727-240-9404 for the same.
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