Heart Attack Signs & Symptoms

Heart attacks have identifiable symptoms. Identification of the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack can reduce the amount of disability that results from having a heart attack, and it can even save your life.

Significance

• Heart disease, which includes heart attacks, was the leading cause of death of Americans in 2005.

Types

• Heart attack signs and symptoms may include anxiety, breathing problems, discomfort and pain in the chest, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, sweating and dizziness.

Features

• Signs and symptoms such as pain in the neck, jaw and shoulder may not be immediately recognizable as a heart attack. They should not be ignored, especially if they last for more than a few minutes.

Misconceptions

• Heart attack signs and symptoms in women can be less distinct than those of men, and women are less likely than men to have chest pain during a heart attack.

Considerations

• Signs of a heart attack such as pain may be intermittent, and may not even be unbearably painful, which can lead to delays in treatment. Even if you are not sure of your symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to reduce any damage to the heart and brain that may result from a heart attack.

Prevention/Solution

• Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and taking preventive actions such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly and controlling blood pressure can minimize the chance of having a heart attack.