Heart Attack Symptoms

More than 715,000 Americans suffer from a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is blocked. If not treated quickly, heart muscle can die and, in some cases, death may result.

If a heart attack is suspected, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Heart attack symptoms in men and women can differ.

Heart Attacks in Men

Most heart attacks in men start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Symptoms include:

• Heavy Chest: Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or repeats.
• Radiating Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness       

Heart Attacks in Women

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 or vomiting (flu-like symptoms)
• Back or jaw pain
• Overwhelming fatigue, sleep problems, or lack of energy

Learn more about women’s heart health.

Download the common signs of a heart attack for men and women.

The Adena Heart and Vascular Center holds a five star rating from Healthgrades for coronary intervention procedures, which are used to save patients suffering from a heart attack. Adena also ranks in the top 10 percent among heart hospitals nationally.

For more information, call 1-877-779-7585 or find an Adena cardiologist.

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