Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, accounting for the deaths of approximately 315,700 people in 2006, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Almost half of all men who die from a sudden heart attack experienced no prior heart-related symptoms. Men with high cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetes may be at an increased risk developing heart disease.
Chest Signs
Many heart attacks begin with a seemingly insignificant symptoms---mild discomfort in the center of the chest, according to an article published a 2001 issue of Circulation, the Journal of the American Heart Association. Many men may ignore this sign or may be uncertain what this type of discomfort may indicate. Men may experience an uncomfortable sensation in the center of the chest that may last for several minutes, only to disappear and reappear a few moments later. A squeezing sensation or fullness within the chest are also signs that a man may be having a heart attack.
Upper Body Signs
The American Heart Association notes that men have a greater risk of experiencing heart attacks than women and are often more susceptible to having these attacks earlier in life. A man having a heart attack may experience discomfort within some regions of his upper body. Such symptoms may include pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, back or neck, according to The Mayo Clinic. Some men who are having a heart attack may experience upper body pain in the absence of chest pain.
Respiratory Signs
Signs of a heart attack in men may also include respiratory symptoms, notes the Mayo Clinic. Some men may experience shortness of breath, which may occur before they experience any type of chest pain or discomfort. Difficulty breathing may cause men to pant or attempt to take in deep breaths of air. This may lead to additional symptoms, including lightheadedness or dizziness. Some men may faint or lose consciousness while experiencing a heart attack.
Additional Signs
Heart attack warning signs may also include a number of additional symptoms. Some men may develop gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting, according to the 2001 Circulation article. Breaking out into a cold sweat may also be a sign that a man is experiencing a heart attack. Feelings of anxiety or impending doom may also be experienced by individuals who are having a heart attack.
References
- "Circulation"; Warning Signs of a Heart Attack; JP Ornato and MM Hand; 2001
- American Heart Association: Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease
- The Mayo Clinic: Heart attack symptoms - know what signals a medical emergency
