Signs & Symptoms of a Mild Heart Attack

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than one million people in the United States experience a heart attack each year. Since many heart attacks show only mild signs or symptoms, your life depends on recognizing heart attack symptoms and getting help quickly.

The Facts

• Symptoms of a mild heart attack occur when the flow of blood to part of your heart becomes blocked for a short period of time.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a mild heart attack include chest discomfort, upper body pain (located in your back, stomach, arms, jaw or neck), shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

Treatment

• Prompt treatment for mild heart attack symptoms is essential to minimizing heart muscle damage. Immediate treatment options include nitroglycerin (increases blood flow) and oxygen, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

Prevention/Solution

• You can best prevent symptoms of a mild heart attack by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as managing your weight, not smoking, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and engaging in regular physical activity.

Considerations

• The National Heart Association states that women are more likely than men to experience certain heart attack symptoms, including shortness of breath, vomiting and nausea, and jaw or back pain.