If you were having a heart attack, you’d know it right away. Right? You’ve seen the movies…the ‘victim’ clutches their chest and staggers to the floor. Medical personal come swarming in and perform miracle maneuvers to save the person suffering. It is abrupt and horrifying. That is how it works in the movies….but not often in real life.
The signs of a heart attack are many and can vary greatly between men and women. So much so that they can be mistaken for less serious health issues – like a tummy ache. We put together easy to view lists and created this infographic below to help you know what to look for.
Signs of a Heart Attack in Men May Include:
- Lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.
- Anxiety: You may feel a sense of doom or feel like you’re having a panic attack for no reason.
- Shortness of Breath: You may pant for breath or try to take deep breaths. This often occurs BEFORE you develop chest discomfort.
- Chest Discomfort or Pain – Upper Body Pain: This can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw.
- Stomach Pain: Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.
- Nausea and Vomiting: You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
- Sweating: You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.
Signs of a Heart Attack in Women May Include:
- Lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.
- Shortness of Breath: You may pant for breath or try to take deep breaths.This may occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Chest Discomfort: Discomfort or presssure in the center of the chest. It often lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and returns.
- Upper Body Pain: Pain in one or both arms, upper back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Stomach Pain: Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.
- Nausea and Vomiting: You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
- Sweating: Paleness or you may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.
- Inability to Sleep: You may experience insomnia.
- Unusual Fatigue: You may feel more tired than usual or for no apparent reason.
Schedule an Appointment Today
As always, if you have health concerns, call us at 919-852-3999 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. If you feel that you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 right away!
