Heart Attack Warnings & Symptoms

When blood flow to the heart through the coronary artery is blocked by a blood clot, it is called a heart attack. A heart attack is a serious medical event that can damage the heart or cause death. It occurs predominantly in individuals over 45 due to the natural narrowing of arteries over time; however, they can happen at any age. Regular exercise, proper diet and reduced stress lifestyle can assist in preventing heart attacks.

Chest Pain

• The characteristic sign of a heart attack is moderate to severe pressure or pain inside the chest cavity that persists for over 5 minutes.

Labored Breathing

• Another typical symptom of a heart attack is difficulty breathing or the sensation of not having enough air.

Sweating

• The sudden onset of moderate to intense sweating is a common sign of a heart attack, especially in combination with shortness of breath or chest pain.

Loss of Conciousness

• Some individuals may faint as a symptom of a heart attack.

Anxiety

• Individuals suffering a heart attack may also experience emotional symptoms, such as an unprompted sense of anxiety or irrational fear.

Pain in Other Areas

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body is common. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. According to the American Heart Association, women are more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.