Heart attacks are responsible for more deaths among both men and women in the United States than any other cause, according to the American Heart Association. Heart attacks, also referred to as mycardial infarctions, occur when there is a blockage in part of the heart, denying the area adequate oxygen and resulting in death of the part of the muscle. The signs of a heart attack can range from so mild that they go unnoticed to severe.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is the symptom most often associated with heart attack. Chest pain during a heart attack can range from mild to severe, and it can have several different characteristics. Some individuals experience squeezing or pressure in the chest, while others have sharp pain. Some people describe the sensation as burning, and it is often mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. The pain might be constant or intermittent, lasting seconds or minutes at a time.
Upper Body Discomfort
Pain and discomfort sometimes can be felt in other parts of the body during a heart attack. Sensations of numbness or pain can be felt in the neck, jaw, back and arms. Discomfort can range from achiness in these areas to acute, sharp pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms are often seen in women. Along with discomfort, shortness of breath or chest heaviness also can occur.
Anxiety
Some individuals report feeling anxiety or a sense of doom just prior to the onset of myocardial infarction. Associated symptoms are increased heart rate, sweating, cold sweats and lightheadedness. Those who have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks may not be able to easily tell the difference between such episodes and a heart attack.
Women's Symptoms
Women often experience different symptoms during a heart attack than those experienced by men. Females are likely to have upper back pain, lightheadedness and fatigue that can last for days. They often don't experience acute chest pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a study showed that only 30 percent of women suffering heart attacks reported chest pain as a symptom. Women also report experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath and sleep interruptions more than a month before the myocardial event.
