Men of any age can have a heart attack. Harvard Medical School estimates that 10 percent of all heart attacks occur in men younger than age 45. Heart attack risk factors are the same for young men as for older men, including family history of heart disease; weight, smoking and high cholesterol. While a young man may be at risk for having a heart attack, he may be less able to recognize heart attack symptoms, or take them seriously. Symptoms of a heart attack are the same for any age man and warrant immediate medical attention to prevent health complications and death.
Discomfort
A man may experience discomfort in a range of areas during a heart attack, including the chest, upper back, arms, shoulders and abdomen. Discomfort is often a first sign that something is amiss with the heart. The American Heart Association advises that most heart attacks begin slowly, with pain or discomfort beginning gradually and increasing in intensity.
Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack for a man, young or old. Pain may manifest as a throbbing sensation, burning or a heaviness in the chest. Chest pain can be felt anywhere on the chest, not just on the left side. Upper back pain between the shoulder blades can also occur and is generally a nagging discomfort that is not easily relieved. Pain may radiate down one or both shoulders and arms.
Young men may be less likely to identify discomforting symptoms as those of a heart attack. The onset of new pain or discomfort that cannot be clearly linked to another cause, or that which accompanies additional symptoms, should be evaluated as cardiac.
Sweating
Sudden, cold sweat usually occurs with additional symptoms, such as chest discomfort, during a heart attack. A man will suddenly feel clammy, perspire excessively and feel chilled. Sweating can get worse as other heart attack symptoms progress, and may also develop in tandem with nausea, vomiting and feelings of faintness.
Shortness of Breath
During a heart attack, blood flow to the lungs begins to slow down. The lungs become irritated and demanding of oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath and trouble breathing. Breathing difficulties may come on slowly, presenting as mild inhalation difficulty or a sense of being out of breath. As the heart attack progresses, respiratory difficulties do as well. A man may feel as if he is not able to take in enough air and can fatigue easily. Shortness of breath may accompany chest discomfort or be a single symptom.
