What are Heart Attack Warning Signs?
When you have a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, it means that the flow of blood to your heart is blocked. This blockage typically occurs from a build-up of fat and cholesterol. This blockage forms a plaque in the arteries that feed blood into the heart and can be fatal.
If you are experiencing any of these heart attack warning signs, don’t wait to get help:
- Pressure, tightness, pain or a squeezing and aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to the neck, jaw or back
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Heart Attack Symptoms Vary
Men and women alike most commonly feel chest pain when experiencing a heart attack. Women are more likely to experience the symptoms of shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and jaw/back pain; whereas, men may only experience chest pain.
What are Heart Attack Risk Factors?
There are several factors that may make you more susceptible to a heart attack.
Heart attack risk factors may include:
- Age
- Tobacco Use
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Stress
- Family history of heart attacks
- Lack of physical activity
- Illicit drug use
Many of these risk factors can be reduced by maintaining a proper diet, exercising, and getting necessary heart screenings.
Seconds Save Lives
Learn the warning sign of a heart attack. If you are unsure if you are experiencing a heart attack, it’s best to see a health professional anyway. Every second counts when someone is having a heart attack, so know the signs and act fast: it can help save your life.
