How to Recognize Signs of a Heart Attack in a Young Male

Most people would not expect a young male between the ages of 18 and 40 to have a heart attack, but it is more than possible. If you have a hereditary history of heart problems or you are doing something to your heart that could cause a heart attack, knowing the warning signs is important. Keep the warning signs in the back of your mind and go to the hospital immediately if you think you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether your family has a history of heart problems. If your father or mother had a history of heart problems, especially under the age of 55, it is an important thing to mention to do your doctor.

• 2

  Determine whether you are putting yourself at risk for heart attack. If you smoke, are obese, eat lots of trans fats, or are sedate and do not exercise daily, you are at a greater risk for heart attack than people who are fit and do not smoke.

• 3

  See a doctor regularly. Your doctor can give you tests to check your cholesterol and body fat to determine whether or not you are at risk for a heart attack. Your doctor may also be able to see a warning sign that you are not able to see by yourself.

• 4

  Know the warning signs. Do not ignore symptoms of a heart attack, even if you think you couldn't be having one because you are too young. If you feel a pressure in your chest that is uncomfortable and lasts more than a few minutes, pain spreading to your chest and arms, lightheadedness, fainting, nausea or vomiting, cold skin, a pale appearance and an increased heart rate, you could be having a heart attack.

• 5

  Go to the hospital immediately upon experiencing warning signs. Some young men hesitate to go to the hospital because they don't have health insurance or figure they could not be having a heart attack because they are too young. You must, upon feeling these warning signs and even if you are not at risk for heart attack, go to the hospital immediately.