According to the Mayo Clinic, when a clot blocks the flow of blood through a coronary artery, a heart attack happens. This hindrance of blood flow can damage to areas of the heart. Every year more than a million people in the United States have a heart attack. According to the National Library of Medicine, half of those people die. The good news is, while heart attacks were fatal in the past, modern advances have made them less severe and have allowed men who suffer heart attacks the chance at treatment in order to survive. In addition, knowing the signs of a heart attack can improve the outcome greatly.
Chest Pain
Perhaps one of the most significant symptoms of a heart attack in men is chest pain. The pain might feel like a tightening or squeezing in the center of the chest. Because chest pain can be caused by other minor difficulties such as stress or indigestion, it may be difficult to decipher if the pain is serious. Chest pain that results from a heart attack will last for longer than several minutes and may extend beyond the chest to the shoulder, arm and back.
Teeth and Jaw Pain
Pain from a heart attack can also radiate from the chest, shoulder, arm and back to the teeth and jaw. This symptom can be overlooked as it is often considered an unlikely symptom of a heart attack.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can also be a heart attack symptom in men. Feeling that you cannot catch your breath and having a sense of anxiety are common symptoms. You might also experience nausea and vomiting and feel flu-like symptoms.
Dizziness
Dizziness, lightheadedness and, in some cases, fainting are other signs of a heart attack in men. If these or any of the above symptoms are experienced, call an ambulance immediately. A man may be compelled to suffer through the symptoms if he is uncertain. Getting immediate help, however, can make a huge difference. Another immediate step you can take to lesson the damage of a heart attack is chewing an aspirin, as aspirin can hamper blood clotting, according to the Mayo Clinic.
