Signs of A Heart Attack

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction (“myo” means muscle; “cardial” stands for heart), occurs when oxygen-rich blood is blocked from reaching the heart. Most heart attacks are the result of coronary artery disease, which is a build of waxy plaque in the arteries. This plaque can build up over many years. It can rupture and cause blood to clot, which inhibits blood flow.

Without blood flow, part of the heart muscle begins to die and scar tissue develops. Hardened scar tissue can cause problems with heart function. Getting immediate medical attention at the first sign of heart attack, however, can limit heart muscle damage.

Know the Signs

Though the signs for men and woman can vary, the most common heart attack signs for both genders are chest pain that can feel like pressure or squeezing (usually in the center or left side of the chest), upper body discomfort (in both or one arm, the back, shoulders neck or jaw) and shortness of breath (which can occur with little to no exertion). Other symptoms include feeling very tired for no reason (sometimes for days), nausea and vomiting, and sudden dizziness.

Not everyone has the same symptoms but the more you have, the greater the likelihood it may be a heart attack. “Never hesitate to call 9-1-1,” says Lauren Harning, exercise physiologist, UCLA Cardiopulmonary Rehab Center. “The sooner you get medical attention, the less potential damage to your heart.”

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