A heart attack can happen anytime, anywhere. Men who are aware of heart attack signs and symptoms have a better chance of surviving a heart attack with fewer complications. Though heart attack signs can vary from man to man, common symptoms are felt most of the time. MayoClinic.com advises any man to seek immediate medical treatment if he suspects he is having a heart attack, even if his symptoms don't seem typical.
Chest Pain
The American Heart Association states that chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom among men and women. Blood flow slows down during a heart attack, irritating the heart and causing the heart to work harder. Though many men do experience chest pain, a variety of physical discomforts can ensue. Discomfort in the chest may present as a throbbing or nagging ache in the chest, sharp pain or pressure. Chest discomfort does not always develop on the left side over the heart, but can be anywhere on the chest.
Some men also experience upper back pain, between the shoulder blades, pain or tingling in one or both arms and abdominal discomfort. Heartburn, or pain in the mid-chest and throat, can also occur. Any single symptom or combination of symptoms that can't be linked to a known cause should be medically evaluated.
Shortness of Breath
A man having a heart attack may experience trouble breathing. Shortness of breath develops as the lungs receive less blood supply during a heart attack. A man with this symptom may feel as if he cannot get enough air and is struggling to breath. Breathing is often labored and shallow. Shortness of breath can start out mild and increase in severity as the heart attack progresses. Fatigue and dizziness may also coincide with breathing difficulties.
Nausea
Nausea and vomiting are heart attack symptoms that may appear with other symptoms, such as chest pain. A man may experience heartburn-like pain in the middle chest with a bitter, burning sensation in the throat accompanied by nausea. Changing position, such as sitting or standing, can make the nausea worse.
Sweating
Diaphoresis, or sweating, often occurs during a heart attack in conjunction with other symptoms. A man may experience cold, clammy sweat that is often profuse. He may feel chilled or hot, though his skin will feel cold to the touch. Skin may appear ashen gray to very pale, especially in the face. Sweating can happen suddenly, though many times additional heart attack symptoms may have been experienced for awhile.
