The American Heart Association explains that a heart attack, sometimes referred to as a myocardial infarction or MI, occurs when part of the muscle of the heart is damaged from a prolonged lack of oxygen. Usually this is caused by a blood clot that blocks one or more of the arteries that bring oxygenated blood to the heart. Symptoms of a heart attack may begin with very mild, often vague discomfort and worsen over time. Sometimes symptoms will dissipate with rest but return after a short period.
Chest Pain
Severe, crushing chest pain is the typical symptom that most people associate with a heart attack. Some victims have likened this to an elephant sitting on the chest. Also depicted as a feeling of extreme squeezing or tightness, these significant symptoms of chest pain should be considered red flags to immediately call for emergency medical care and transport to the nearest hospital.
Other Signs and Symptoms
Not all people experience sudden onset of severe chest pain as a signal that a heart attack is occurring. Very often, the symptoms are somewhat milder and less defined. A heart attack can cause referred pain in the neck, jaw, back or in either of the arms. Some victims report stomach pain, often mistaken for heart burn or indigestion, and some describe being short of breath. Even without chest pain or discomfort in any of the above regions, symptoms of nausea and vomiting, becoming light-headed and breaking out in a cold sweat also should be considered as possible signs of a heart attack.
Gender-specific Symptoms
There is no distinction of heart attack symptoms between men and women. Either gender can experience any of the signs or combinations of signs when a heart attack occurs. Lead researcher K.A. Milner and colleagues, however, indicate in a 2004 study published in "American Journal of Cardiology" that men are more likely than women to have a primary complaint of chest pain associated with a heart attack.
Significance
The signs and symptoms of a heart attack should not be taken lightly or ignored. The onset of symptoms should be reported to a physician to determine the cause and begin treatment if necessary. If symptoms go untreated, more of the heart muscle tissue may be damaged or destroyed, making the heart less effective at pumping blood to the rest of the body. The faster treatment is initiated, the better the eventual outcome, so recognizing the signs of an upcoming heart attack may save a life. Those who have risk factors for heart disease should discuss the signs of an impending heart attack with their doctors and determine a plan of action should symptoms ever occur.
Prevention
The best course of action is to lower the risk of developing a heart attack in the first place. A diet low in fat and high in fiber, fruits and vegetables is considered a heart-healthy nutritional regime, according to the American Heart Association. Including regular bouts of aerobic exercise to optimize cardiovascular fitness also reduces the risk of a heart attack. Regular check-ups with the family physician ensure that other diseases are well managed and do not put additional strain on the heart.
References
- American Heart Association: Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
- "American Journal of Cardiology"; Gender and Age Differences in Chief Complaints of Acute Myocardial Infarction; K.A. Milner, V. Vaccarino, A.L. Arnold, et. al.; March 2004
- American Heart Association: Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
