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How To Know If You’re Having A Heart Attack Male

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Avoidance Strategies For Heart Attacks And Heartburn

What to do if you think you are having heart attack symptoms

Heartburn

Raise the head of your bed by a couple of inches, or add another pillow. Its often a simple matter of gravity. says Peters.

Heart Attack

According to a study in The American Journal of Epidemiology, a lack of cardiovascular fitness is the single biggest heart attack indicator. Do three high-intensity interval aerobic sessions a week. And toast your dawn run with high-fibre cereal, which Harvard academics say binds to cholesterol floating in your blood stream, stopping it from attaching to artery walls.

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I Thought I Had The Flu

Even though heart disease;is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, women often chalk up the symptoms to less life-threatening conditions like acid reflux, the flu or normal aging.

They do this because they are scared and because they put their families first, Goldberg said. There are still many women who are shocked that they could be having a heart attack.

A heart attack;strikes someone about every 43 seconds. It occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. This happens because the arteries that supply the heart with blood can slowly narrow from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances .

Watch an animation of a heart attack.

Many women think the signs of a heart attack are unmistakable the image of the elephant comes to mind but in fact they can be subtler and sometimes confusing.

You could feel so short of breath, as though you ran a marathon, but you haven’t made a move, Goldberg said.

Some women experiencing a heart attack describe upper back pressure that feels like squeezing or a rope being tied around them, Goldberg said. Dizziness, lightheadedness or actually fainting are other symptoms to look for.

Many women I see take an aspirin if they think they are having a heart attack and never call 911, Goldberg said. But if they think about taking an aspirin for their heart attack, they should also call 911.

Anxiety As A Heart Attack Symptom

One other common heart attack symptom is anxiety, or a vague but undeniable feeling that somethings wrong.

Research shows that a heart attack causes victims to feel like theyre having a panic attack. But this is a dangerous assumption. Rather than get help immediately, some individuals having a heart attack want to chalk up their symptoms to indigestion or anxiety or feeling worn out from too much exertion.

In addition, if the pressure in your chest isnt too uncomfortable and youre just a little short of breath, you may think youre having some mild heart attack symptoms. This could lead you to not take them seriously.

see our posts Heart Attack Symptoms in Men: 5 Common Signs and Heart Attack Symptoms in Women.)

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What Can I Do To Recover After A Heart Attack

Take our quizexternal icon to see how much you know about cardiac rehabilitation.

If youve had a heart attack, your heart may be damaged. This could affect your hearts rhythm and its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. You may also be at risk for another heart attack or conditions such as;stroke, kidney disorders, and;peripheral arterial disease .

You can lower your chances of having future health problems following a heart attack with these steps:

  • Physical activityTalk with your health care team about the things you do each day in your life and work. Your doctor may want you to limit work, travel, or sexual activity for some time after a heart attack.
  • Lifestyle changesEating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stressin addition to taking prescribed medicinescan help improve your heart health and quality of life. Ask your health care team about attending a program called cardiac rehabilitation to help you make these lifestyle changes.
  • Cardiac rehabilitationCardiac rehabilitation;is an important program for anyone recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart problem that required surgery or medical care. Cardiac rehab is a supervised program that includes
  • Physical activity
  • Education about healthy living, including healthy eating, taking medicine as prescribed, and ways to help you quit smoking
  • Counseling to find ways to relieve stress and improve mental health

Symptoms Not Always Obvious

5 Minutes: The Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

As a health care community, I think that weve done a really bad job of treating women, Dr. Jennifer Haythe, co-director of the Womens Center for Cardiovascular Health at Columbia University Medical Center, told TODAY. We tend to write off womens symptoms as theyre having a panic attack, theyre anxious.

Still, predicting a heart attack before it happens can be difficult. Many men and women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease have no previous symptoms, according to the CDC.

Some people will say it was out of the blue, and thats probably most people, said Dr. Sharonne Hayes, director of the Women’s Heart Clinic at the Mayo Clinic. A substantial minority of patients will have some symptoms that, had they paid attention to them or sought an outpatient evaluation, they might have had a different outcome.

Potential heart attack symptoms can be subtle. Here are five signs you should never ignore:

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How To Know If You Are Having A Heart Attack

Recognizing a heart attack on time is very important in order to ensure survival. Heart attacks occur, when the heart doesnt receive oxygenated blood as a result of some heart block or coronary artery blockage. The heart muscle suddenly dies and this is known as heart attack.

Usually, the coronary artery blockage is caused by the deposition of fat, cholesterol or some other substance or as a result of some coronary disease. Not always does it come with warning signs. However, the best way to recognize heart attacks is by identifying the warning signs. This is because; the sooner you recognize the signs of heart attack and seek medical help, the better!

Best Treatment For Heart Attacks And Heartburn

Heartburn

Regular antacids can work in the short-term, but can also lead to rebound acid reflux – where your stomach senses theres less acid so simply produces more. Whelan suggests taking Gaviscon Double Action Liquid. This creates a raft on top of your stomachs contents to stop the acid coming back up.

Heart attack

While waiting for the ambulance, drink a soluble 400mg aspirin. This disperses into your system in half the time and helps thin your blood, potentially dislodging the blockage that has caused the attack. says Whelan.

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Jaw Pain Or Toothache

When we think of a heart attack, we typically think of pain in the chest. But what most people might not know is that, once that chest pain presents itself, it can spread and affect other areas of the body, such as the neck, jaw, shoulder, arms and back.

People whove suffered from a heart attack have complained about jaw pain, and even reported tooth pain. Once again, according to the AHA, this type of heart attack-related pain is more common in women.

What Causes A Heart Attack

How to Tell if You Are Having A Heart Attack

By definition, a heart attack is the result of blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the heart muscle. These blood vessels are called coronary arteries. Youve probably heard the term coronary artery disease, or CAD. That just means that theres plaque buildup in one or more of the hearts arteries, and that its reducing or blocking blood flow in those arteries. The plaque is a waxy substance that includes LDL cholesterol, fats, and other waste products from your bloodstream.The process of plaque building up in your arteries is called atherosclerosis. You may know it by a more familiar name: hardening of the arteries. This buildup takes place over many years.

There are some less-common heart attack causes, too. One of your coronary arteries could spasm and shut off blood flow to the heart muscle. Sometimes smoking or illicit drugs can result in coronary artery spasm. A spasm can occur in a coronary artery that isnt affected by atherosclerosis.

Also unusual, but still possible, is a tear in the inner wall of a coronary artery; this is called a spontaneous coronary artery dissection. An artery has three walls or layers. When blood seeps through a tear in the inner layer, it can become trapped and bulge inward. As a result, blood flow through that artery becomes blocked.

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Signs Of Heart Trouble: Youre Bloated

Bloating is commonparticularly after eating a super salty mealbut it can also be caused by congestive heart failure. This is because the heart is too weak to properly pump blood through the body, which causes fluids to build up throughout the body.

Generally, youll notice swelling in the legs feet, ankles, legs or stomach, according to the American Heart Association. You may even gain weight unexpectedly or notice that your shoes are too tight. If youre suddenly bloated , it may be time to visit the doctor.

Heart Attack And Sudden Cardiac Arrest Differences

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are not synonyms. A heart attack;is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and sudden cardiac arrest;is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. A heart attack is a circulation problem and;sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem.

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What If Your Doctor Assures You It’s Just Stress Or Fatigue

If a young, healthy patient doesnt have other risk factors, the likelihood of having significant coronary artery disease is low. It may not be appropriate to jump into testing. But the important thing is to always keep coronary risks in mind. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms that dont go away or get worse should go back to a doctor for further evaluation.

Silent Heart Attack Symptoms

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A silent heart attack is like any other heart attack, except it occurs without the usual symptoms. In other words, you may not even realize youve experienced a heart attack.

In fact, researchers from Duke University Medical Center have estimated that as many as 200,000 Americans experience heart attacks each year without even knowing it. Unfortunately, these events cause heart damage and increase the risk of future attacks.

Silent heart attacks are more common among people with diabetes and in those whove had previous heart attacks.

Symptoms that may indicate a silent heart attack include:

  • mild discomfort in your chest, arms, or jaw that goes away after resting
  • shortness of breath and tiring easily
  • sleep disturbances and increased fatigue
  • abdominal pain or heartburn
  • skin clamminess

After having a silent heart attack, you may experience more fatigue than before or find that exercise becomes more difficult. Get regular physical exams to stay on top of your heart health. If you have cardiac risk factors, talk to your doctor about getting tests done to check the condition of your heart.

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Learn To Identify An Emergency

If youre at risk to develop cardiovascular disease or suffer a heart attack, the best thing you can do is train yourself to recognize anything out of the ordinary. Dont ignore symptoms or potential risk factors. Take good care of yourself. And most importantly, if you suspect youre experiencing a heart attack, call 911 or get to an emergency center immediately.

Connect with us to learn more about heart disease in men and mens health overall.

Breaking Out In A Cold Sweat

Another common symptom is finding yourself breaking out in a cold sweat. The reason behind this symptom is that when you have clogged arteries, your heart requires more effort to pump blood, and sweating keeps your bodys temperature down during this extra effort.

For women, this means night sweats may not just be the result of menopause. They might also be a sign of heart problems.

If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to consult your physician. Dont wait until it becomes urgent.

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What’s The Difference Between Indigestion And A Heart Attack

Indigestion, or heartburn, is a feeling that usually comes on after eating. It causes a burning and uncomfortable sensation in your chest and abdomen, and often a sour taste in your mouth.If you havent experienced heartburn or indigestion before and you’re experiencing persistent burning chest pain or chest pain combined with other heart attack symptoms, phone 999 immediately.If youre prone to heartburn or indigestion and youre experiencing the same symptoms as usual, take the steps you usually would to ease your discomfort, such as taking some medicine and/or drinking water.If the burning feeling in your chests persists, or it begins to spread to your arms, neck or jaw, phone 999 immediately as you may be having a heart attack.;

Early Signs Of A Heart Attack

How to know if youre having a heart attack

Are your vague symptoms just fatigue or something serious? Learn the early warning signs that could signal a heart attack.

Contributor

Sutter Medical Foundation

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

Many of us have experienced that;moment. Perhaps were driving in traffic or working out at the gym when we feel a twinge in our chest, or an aggressive pulse. Or maybe we just dont feel right. We might pause at these moments and wonder if its time to hightail it the doctor or if this is normal.

The reality is people can notice subtle heart attack symptoms months before an actual event occurs, says Sutter Zi-Jian Xu, M.D., a cardiologist in the Sutter Health network.

Dr. Xu frequently discusses heart attack symptoms and prevention with his patients. Heres what you need to know.

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Stroke Vs Heart Attack: How Do You Know If Youre Having A Stroke Or Heart Attack

Written byBel Marra HealthPublished onJune 26, 2017

Understanding the differences between a stroke and a heart attack can help you get the appropriate help. They are both medical emergencies and can alter a persons life, yet a stroke and heart attack are not exactly the same.

While they may be related, there is a difference between a stroke and a heart attack. Sadly, about every 43 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a heart attack. Approximately 800,000 Americans experience a stroke every year. So, how do we explain what distinguishes a stroke from a heart attack? Well, a heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart becomes blocked. Without oxygenated blood, heart muscles start to die. However, in the case of a stroke, the brain is impacted. The brain attack occurs when blood flow and oxygen to the brain is cut off. This can take place if a blood vessel that feeds the brain gets clogged or bursts.

Both heart attacks and stroke are leading causes of death in the United States and Canada. Quick treatment for both types of attacks is crucial for long-term positive outcome.

Worst Case Scenario With Heart Attacks And Heartburn

Heartburn

If its a one-off, youre in the clear. More frequent and you could be in trouble: Regular heartburn can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease , which can lead to ulcers, hernias or diabetes, warns Dr Kevin Whelan, nutritional scientist at Kings College, London.

Heart Attack

Every 11 minutes a British man meets his maker by way of cardiac arrest, with one in three dying before reaching hospital: Fifty per cent of deaths occur within three to four hours of the first symptoms, so if youre in doubt, ring for an ambulance. says Whelan.

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What Should I Do If I Think Im Having A Heart Attack

The first thing you must do is dial 999 immediately for an ambulance.;Dont worry if youre not completely sure whether your symptoms are a heart attack, its really important that you seek medical attention regardless as quickly as possible.;

Next, you should:

  • take a 300mg aspirin if you have one within arms reach
  • stay calm and wait for the paramedics.

People often dismiss that theyre having a heart attack and will delay seeking medical attention.;If youre with someone whos experiencing heart attack symptoms but theyre putting off or refusing to call an ambulance, its really important that you call one for them.;

Chest Pain Pressure Squeezing And Fullness

Before You Shovel Snow, Know the Signs of Heart Attack ...

Picture someone having a heart attack, and chances are you imagine them gasping for air and clutching their chest before falling unconscious. While you may experience chest pain during a heart attack, it may not be as dramatic. In some cases, it may not even be described as pain. Instead, it may feel more like pressure or squeezing in the chest.

Chest pain or chest discomfort is caused by an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood to your heart. During a heart attack, you may feel this pain in the center of the chest. It can last for a few minutes and disappear, or it may recur after a short break.

This symptom is a warning sign of blocked or narrowed arteries. Dont hesitate to report this to your doctor, even if this and other symptoms are not intense.

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Heart Attack Treatment: Time Is Muscle

People who experience some of these subtle signs are oftenhesitant to head to the hospital. After all, nausea or neck pain can haveother, not-so-serious causes. And a feeling that something just isnt right?Thats frustratingly vague and hard to explain to a doctor.

But if theres even a chance you are having a heart attack, its better to act fast and early thanlate.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, damaging the heart muscle. Without urgent treatment, heart tissue will begin to die. Time is muscle, Dr. Abdallah says. The sooner your doctor starts treatment, the better the outcome.

Doctors can give medications and perform procedures to remove blockages and restore blood flow to the heart. And such therapy has gotten better and more effective over the years, he adds. Treating heart attacks has been one of the great interventions in the history of medicine.

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