Symptoms Of A Heart Attack

• Prevention of heart attacks

Symptoms Of A Heart Attack

Heart attacks happen when the blood and oxygen supply to one of the heart muscles is stopped. If blood and oxygen flow is prevented from reaching the heart for a prolonged period, the heart stops working to pump blood around the rest of the body.

Contrary to popular belief, heart attack symptoms usually come on slowly with symptoms becoming more intense. Heart attack symptoms may not be as obvious in women so it is important to note the different signs that may indicate a heart attack in women.

Heart attack symptoms

Chest discomfort: A tight, squeezing feeling in the chest is often the first sign of a heart attack. If you experience intense chest pain lasting more than a couple of minutes, or if the chest pain is recurring, seek medical help.

Pain in the back and arm: Pain that spreads from the chest to the back and arms, commonly the left arm.

Anxiety: Severe anxiety or fear for no apparent reason.

Cold sweat: A cold sweat across the whole body or arms and face .

Jawpain/Toothache: Rapid onset of jaw pain or pain in teeth could be a sign of a heart attack.

Nausea/Vomiting:  It is common for people to feel nauseous or to vomit with the onset of a heart attack.

Heart attack symptoms in women

Women often do not experience chest pain with a heart attack. Instead, women are more likely to start experiencing heart attack symptoms sooner -with unexplained fatigue leading up to the heart attack. During a heart attack women may experience:

A feeling of dizziness or faintness

Shortness of breath

Heartburn: Women often mistake the signs of a heart attack for heartburn or indigestion