According to the Women's Heart Foundation, approximately 1.5 million heart attacks occur each year. Roughly one third of people who have a heart attack annually will die, which equals nearly one death per minute. Of these deaths, nearly 50 percent occur before the victim gets medical attention. Knowing the signs of a heart attack can help ensure that you get medical attention quickly.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is one of the most common sings of a heart attack, but this pain often isn't as severe as portrayed in movies. Chest pain is usually located near the center of the chest or on the left side of the chest. It is usually described as a tightness or pressure. The pain may be constant or it may come and go. Shortness of breath may also occur in conjunction with the chest pains.
Irregular Heartbeat
An irregular heartbeat is a sign of a heart attack that is often missed because of the variety of irregularities that may signal a heart attack. Your heart may beat faster, slower, harder, softer or a combination of all four.
Jaw Pain
Radiating pain in the jaw is a sign of a heart attack. The pain can be mild or severe, and it may come and go. It is sometimes described as a burning or tingling sensation; however, it may feel like pressure or squeezing.
Gastrointestinal Troubles
Nausea, vomiting, gas, indigestion and heart burn are all signs of a heart attack. Pain in the upper abdomen sometimes accompanies these symptoms. Gastrointestinal troubles, except heartburn and indigestion, are more common in women than in men.
Back Pain
Back pain that is centralized between the shoulder blades is a sign of a heart attack. Unlike the pain of a back injury, the pain doesn't come and go with movement and heat or ice won't alleviate the pain.
Cold Sweat
A cold sweat or cold, clammy skin are signs of a heart attack. These symptoms are most often accompanied by chest pain.
Lightheadedness and/or Fainting
Because of lack of oxygen-rich blood making its way to the brain, lightheadedness and fainting often accompany a heart attack.
Fatigue
Fatigue that can't be explained is a sign of a heart attack, especially when it is accompanied by any other heart attack signs.
Shoulder Pain
The shoulder pain that is associated with a heart attack is usually a sharp pain; however, it can also be a pain of pressure that can be likened to a tight squeeze.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a sign of heart attack in women. This sign has often been described as a feeling of impending doom.
