Signs of a Heart Attack or Stroke

According to the American Heart Association, heart attack is the leading cause of death among Americans, while strokes are the third leading cause of death. They can affect both men and women, however the symptoms of a heart attack vary slightly between men and women. Heart attacks can come on gradually or suddenly, while the symptoms of stroke are more sudden. In either case, time is of the essence; the sooner you receive medical treatment, the greater your chances for survival.

Discomfort in the Chest

According to the American Heart Association, the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women is chest discomfort. It generally begins in the center of your chest, and will either remain for a few minutes and pass, or stop and return. It is an uncomfortable feeling that can present itself as a feeling of fullness or heaviness, a feeling of something squeezing your chest or may be actual pain.

Traveling Discomfort

The feeling of discomfort beginning in the center of your chest can spread to other areas of your body as well. It can affect your neck, jaw, travel around to your back and shoulders, or affect one or both of your arms. Shortness of breath is another symptom that may or may not accompany your chest or body discomfort.

Difference in Gender

As stated by the American Heart Association, women are more likely than men to experience more than just chest pain or discomfort. In addition to chest discomfort, women are prone to suffering from discomfort elsewhere, such as the back and jaw. They are also more likely to experience nausea, cold sweats, lightheadedness and a rapid heartbeat. In some cases, women experience no recognizable symptoms at all, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Signs of Stroke

According to the Mayo Clinic, men and women suffer about the same number of strokes, however women die more often from them than men do. While the signs of a heart attack can be gradual, stroke symptoms tend to come on suddenly and require immediate medical attention. These symptoms include sudden confusion or trouble speaking; sudden weakness of your face, arm or legs, particularly on one side of your body; sudden headache; blurred vision in one or both of your eyes and trouble walking due to loss of coordination or balance.