Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Signs Heart Attack Male

Don't Miss

Womens Signs Of Heart Attack

The signs of a heart attack for men

The most common heart attack sign is chest pain or discomfort however, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure. They may experience shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue.

Smi: Unaware Of Possible Danger

The number of people who suffer an SMI and don’t realize it is alarming. A study in the Nov. 10, 2015, Journal of the American Medical Association looked at almost 2,000 people ages 45 to 84 who were free of cardiovascular disease.

After 10 years, 8% had myocardial scars, which are evidence of a heart attack. Most surprising was that 80% of these people were unaware of their condition. Overall, the prevalence of myocardial scars was five times higher in men than in women.

SMI and regular heart attacks share the same risk factors: smoking, being overweight, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. They can be just as dangerous, too. “SMI often leaves scarring and damage to the heart, which, combined with the fact that many people who have an SMI don’t seek immediate care, can further raise a person’s risk of a second and potentially more harmful heart attack,” says Dr. Plutzky. In fact, people who have an SMI and don’t get treatment have a three times greater risk of dying from coronary artery disease. “A silent heart attack is a loud signal your body sends that you have some kind of underlying health issue that needs attention,” says Dr. Plutzky.

What If Your Doctor Assures You Its 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.

Also Check: How Does Exercise Prevent Heart Disease

Read Also: Heart Rate Too High During Exercise

Is A Cardiac Arrest The Same Thing As A Heart Attack

A cardiac arrest and a heart attack are both medical emergencies. However, they are not the same thing, and sometimes a heart attack can progress into a cardiac arrest.

During a cardiac arrest, the electrical system that controls your heart rate and rhythm stops working, and the heart stops beating.

When someone has a cardiac arrest, they experience different symptoms and receive different treatments to someone who has a heart attack.

Someone having a cardiac arrest will collapse and have no pulse. They may not breathe properly, or maybe not at all, and they will lose consciousness.

If someone has a cardiac arrest, they need help immediately. Call 000 for an ambulance. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, begin chest compressions , or use a device called a defibrillator, if available. Once the person gets to hospital, a medical team will treat them.

How Do You Know If You Have High

Stroke and heart attack symptoms can differ in men and women ...

According to Dr. Khurana, some more obvious signs of high-functioning anxiety include feeling as though you cant stop worrying internally, constantly imagining the worst outcome, constantly being in a state of dread, experiencing panic attacks regularly , and seeming like you have superpowers in terms of getting everything done.

Internally, your mind and anxiety do not give you a moments peace there is always something to worry about, she says. When you leave work for the day, often go home and are exhausted, and despite being tired, cannot sleep because are still worrying.

Related Story

Don’t Miss: Sighns Of Heart Attack

Women And Heart Disease

The term heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease and heart attack.

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a mans disease, almost as many women as men die each year of heart disease in the United States.

This map shows death rates from heart disease in women in the United States. The darker red indicates a higher death rate.

The map shows that concentrations of counties with the highest heart disease death rates meaning the top quintile are located primarily in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Pockets of high-rate counties also were found in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, Texas, Nevada, and Montana.

Source: Interactive Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke

What’s The Difference Between Angina And A Heart Attack

Angina is pain felt in your chest often caused by coronary heart disease. As the symptoms of angina are similar to a heart attack, its important to know how to distinguish between the two. If you havent been diagnosed with angina and you start experiencing chest pain that feels similar to the symptoms of a heart attack, phone 999 immediately.If you have angina and you start experiencing chest pain symptoms similar to a heart attack:

  • sit down and rest
  • use your glyceryl trinitrate spray that youve been prescribed
  • if the pain still persists after a few minutes, take another dose of your spray
  • if the pain doesnt go away a few minutes after your second dose, dial 999 immediately.

You May Like: Congestive Heart Failure Mayo Clinic

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Heart Disease

To lower your chances of getting heart disease, its important to do the following:7

  • Know your blood pressure. Having uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to heart disease. High blood pressure has no symptoms, so its important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Learn more about high blood pressure.
  • Talk to your doctor or health care team about whether you should be tested for diabetes. Having uncontrolled diabetes raises your risk of heart disease.8 Learn more about diabetes.
  • Quit smoking. If you dont smoke, dont start. If you do smoke, learn ways to quit.
  • Discuss checking your blood cholesterol and triglycerides with your doctor. Learn more about cholesterol.
  • Make healthy food choices. Having overweight or obesity raises your risk of heart disease. Learn more about overweight and obesity.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink to one drink a day. Learn more about alcohol.
  • Manage stress levels by finding healthy ways to cope with stress. Learn more about coping with stress.

When Should I See My Doctor

Heart Attack Symptoms

  • get worse quickly, or
  • last longer than 10 minutes
  • If calling triple zero does not work on your mobile, try calling 112. Early treatment could save a life.

    See your doctor regularly to manage your general health, test for heart disease risk factors and help you take steps to prevent a heart attack.

    Don’t Miss: What Type Of Pain In Arm Heart Attack

    Early Signs Of 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.

    Are A Heart Attack And Cardiac Arrest The Same Thing

    According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest is the abrupt loss of heart function in a person who may or may not have been diagnosed with heart disease. It can come on suddenly or in the wake of other symptoms. Cardiac arrest is often fatal, if appropriate steps arent taken immediately.

    While heart attacks are caused by a blockage that stops the flow of the blood to the heart, cardiac arrest is caused when the hearts electrical system malfunctions and the heart stops beating properly. While heart attacks may cause cardiac arrest, the two terms dont mean the same thing.

    *Centers for Disease Control and Prevention**American Heart Association

    Read Also: Systolic Congestive Heart Failure Icd 10

    Is There Anything That Distinguishes These Symptoms How Do You Know When Those Subtle Atypical Symptoms Are Concerning

    Its important to know your risk for heart disease in order to assess early symptoms. Dr. Xu says when he works with a patient, they discuss his or her family and personal history, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, age and disease history to determine a risk level for heart attacks.

    Within this context of risk, they talk about symptoms. Are they typical or not? How are they experienced? At rest or during exertion? Are they associated with emotional stress or cold weather? Are they happening in conjunction with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or cold sweats? This is the starting point for a treatment plan.

    Whats The Difference Between A Heart Attack And A Panic Attack

    Heart Attack Symptoms In Flat Style, Vector Stock Vector

    Different kinds of heart problems, like a heart attack and cardiac arrest, can cause similar symptoms, like heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain. But these conditions arent the same.

    A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked or restricted, usually because an artery has a buildup of plaque. Heart attacks can be sudden, but they can also start with mild pain or discomfort in the chest that gradually worsens. The symptoms might also come and go before you actually have a full-on heart attack.

    Cardiac arrest happens when the hearts electrical system malfunctions and the hearts pumping stops. It can be caused by an arrhythmia, which is an irregular heart rhythm, or other conditions.

    Panic attacks arent heart-related at all. Theyre sudden episodes, often in response to a specific stressful situation, where you feel intense fear and experience physical symptoms. They can also occur out of nowhere. In a panic attack, your body may go into fight or flight mode in response to stress, which speeds up your heart rate and breathing, which might feel like a heart attack.

    According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, panic attacks dont pose an immediate danger, but a heart attack is life-threatening and requires swift medical attention.

    Read Also: Bnp Test For Heart Failure

    Lower The Risk Factors You Can Control

    The first step to lowering cardiovascular risk is to raise your awareness of the risk factors and symptoms that are particular to women. The next step is to take actions and practice daily behaviors that lower the risk factors you can control.

    • Stick to a healthy, low-saturated-fat diet that is high in fiber and low in fatty, processed foods.
    • Several times a week, follow a supervised exercise regimen that is both challenging and motivating:
    • Benefits of regular exercise include lower blood pressure, lower risk of diabetes, healthier body weight, and stress reduction.
    • Exercise at least 3 times per week for at least 30 minutes. Even better, build up to 4-6 times per week for 45 minutes or more.
  • Consult with your physician about cardiovascular screening based on your family history and risk factors.
  • Keep track of your cholesterol.
  • Lets Win This Together

    Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Support the innovative research, education and prevention services that protect the women we love.

    Weve all seen the movie scenes where a man gasps, clutches his chest and falls to the ground. In reality, a heart attack victim could easily be a woman, and the scene may not be that dramatic.

    Although men and women can experience chest pressure that feels like an elephant sitting across the chest, women can experience a heart attack without chest pressure, said Nieca Goldberg, M.D., medical director for the Joan H. Tisch Center for Womens Health at NYUs Langone Medical Center and an American Heart Association volunteer. Instead they may experience shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, upper back pressure or extreme fatigue.

    Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if the victim doesnt get help right away.

    Don’t Miss: How To Figure Out Your Heart Rate

    Catch The Signs Early

    Dont wait to get help if you experience any of these heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:

    • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
    • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
    • Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
    • Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

    Download the common heart attack warning signs infographic |

    About Silent Heart Attack:

    Stephen’s Story: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack

    A heart attack can occur even without a person knowing it. This is called a silent heart attack. The person will have no or minimal or unrecognized symptoms in case of silent heart attack. The risk factors for the silent heart attack are similar to those for recognized heart attack. You can decrease the risk of getting heart attack by knowing your risk factors, quitting smoking and doing regular exercise.

    Also Check: Treatment Of Congestive Heart Failure

    Heart Attack Symptoms Vary

    Remember, not all people who have heart attacks have the same symptoms or severity of symptoms. Most heart attacks involve central chest pain, but symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, the jaw, the neck or upper stomach. Some people have mild pain, others have more severe pain, some people have no symptoms and, for certain people, the first sign may be sudden cardiac arrest.

    Women are more likely than men to present with atypical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting. Therefore, its important for everyone to pay attention to all symptoms, not just chest pain.

    You Get Exhausted Easily

    If you suddenly feel fatigued or winded after doing something you had no problem doing in the past — like climbing the stairs or carrying groceries from the car — make an appointment with your doctor right away.

    “These types of significant changes are more important to us than every little ache and pain you might be feeling,” Bufalino says.

    Extreme exhaustion or unexplained weakness, sometimes for days at a time, can be a symptom of heart disease, especially for women.

    Recommended Reading: Can Progesterone Cause Heart Palpitations

    About Norton Heart & Vascular Institute

    Every year, about 250,000 people in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose Norton Heart & Vascular Institute specialists for their heart and vascular care. Thats more than any other health care provider.

    • Norton Healthcares four adult-service hospitals in Louisville are American College of Cardiology accredited Cycle VI Chest Pain Centers the highest level of expertise to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.
    • You have access to more than 45 board-certified cardiovascular physicians and more than 35 advanced practice providers with specialized training and experience in a comprehensive range of conditions and treatments.
    • Patients can make appointments at 27 locations in Louisville and Southern Indiana. Telecardiology is offered at more than 30 sites in the region.
    • Norton Audubon Hospital, a key location for Norton Heart & Vascular Institute services, has been recognized with a HeartCare Center National Distinction of Excellence year after year by the American College of Cardiology. This is the only hospital in Louisville to be recognized for this distinction.

    Women Have Unique Heart Attack Symptoms

    11 Heart Disease Warning Sign Infographic With Adult Man Who Has Chest ...

    A significant challenge for diagnosing women with heart disease is the lack of recognition of symptoms that might be related to heart disease, or that dont fit into classic definitions. Women can develop symptoms that are subtler and harder to detect as a heart attack, especially if the physician is only looking for the usual heart attack symptoms.

    Women are much more likely to have atypical heart attack symptoms, says Dr. Lili Barouch, director of the Johns Hopkins Columbia Heart Failure Clinic. So while the classical symptoms, such as chest pains, apply to both men and women, women are much more likely to get less common symptoms such as indigestion, shortness of breath, and back pain, sometimes even in the absence of obvious chest discomfort.

    You May Like: What Causes Blood Clot Heart Attack

    Also Check: Low Sleeping Heart Rate

    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.

    Heart Attack Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored:

    Given below are the warning signs of heart attack in men and women of all ages that should not be ignored.

    Shortness of breath:

    If you find that you are breathless or have a racing heart rate when you walk up the stairs or when doing any daily tasks, it might be a warning sign of heart disease. In some cases, these symptoms could also be a result of asthma or a panic attack. But panic attacks do come suddenly and pass within a few minutes. You should not ignore if breathlessness starts slowly and lingers.

    Dizziness or lightheadedness:

    If you feel shaky or faint for no reason at all, then it could mean that your heart is not getting enough blood. You should pay attention to this sign, especially if you have a cold sweat and shortness of breath.

    Sweating:

    Sudden cold sweats for no reason could indicate a heart attack symptom.

    Anxiety:

    Prior or during a heart attack, many women experience a sense of fear and are aware of something being wrong. However, they are not aware of how to deal with it. Often women relate this to stress rather than heart attack since their lives are too hectic.

    Nausea or vomiting:

    Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and cramps are often reported by women having a heart attack. They may also be the result of food poisoning or stomach flu. But do not ignore this warning sign if it comes with other heart attack symptoms like discomfort in your chest and shortness of breath.

    Extreme fatigue:

    Non-chest pain:

    Stomach pain:

    Swelling:

    Chest discomfort:

    Don’t Miss: What Drugs Should Be Avoided In Heart Failure

    More articles

    Popular Articles