
Are You Having a Heart Attack? Don’t Ignore These Signs
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Updated on 2/23/2021
Heart attacks, also medically referred to as myocardial infarctions, are common, but potentially life-threatening events. Every year, nearly 800,000 people in the United States suffer one of these medical emergencies. In the following post, we discuss what happens when someone experiences a heart attack. We also look at what causes such an event and the symptoms he or she might face if affected.
What Is A Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when a blood vessel leading to or situated within the heart is completely blocked. This obstruction results in a loss of blood flow and supply of oxygen to the heart. If the disease process gets worse, the surrounding heart muscle begins to die. If he or she doesn’t receive prompt and adequate medical help, he or she will suffer significant disability or possibly even die.
What Causes A Heart Attack?

Typically, coronary artery disease (the most common condition that leads to heart attacks) is caused by a collection of cholesterol inside the blood vessels in and around the heart. This collection causes these passageways to narrow and eventually become obstructed.
What Are the Risk Factors?
There are certain risk factors that might cause certain people to be more susceptible than others, including:
- Family History
If a person’s parents or grandparents have a history of heart disease, their risk of a heart attack may be greater.
- Age
Like many diseases, the risk of a heart attack increases with age.
- High Blood Pressure
This condition places undue strain on the heart and arteries and could make coronary artery disease worse.
- High Cholesterol
Elevated blood concentrations of LDL or ‘bad cholesterol” increase someone’s chances of being stricken with coronary artery disease.
- Smoking
Nicotine raises blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder and faster.
What Are the Symptoms of A Heart Attack?

Heart attack symptoms may vary from person to person. In some cases, men and women might experience different symptoms altogether. The most common manifestation often experienced by members of both sexes is chest pain or pressure. However, men more often experience severe chest pain.
Women, however, may sometimes experience more of a heart attack’s less common, perhaps overlooked symptoms.
Other well-known symptoms include:
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- sweating
- radiating chest pain (for example the neck, jaw, left arm, and back)
Women, however, may sometimes experience more of a heart attack’s less common, perhaps overlooked symptoms. These include:
- shortness of breath without chest discomfort
- gastrointestinal symptoms (indigestion, nausea, and vomiting)
In Conclusion
Regardless of their symptoms, he or she should seek urgent medical care for pain or accompanying manifestations that last for more than a few minutes, recur, or worsen. Other less serious health issues can mimic heart attack symptoms. However, it’s more prudent, perhaps life-saving to play it safe and be examined by a physician.



Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
This article provides general information and discussion about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having.



10 Comments
Amanda
Heart disease is becoming more and more prevalent!
Candice Rice
It is time for me to get a check up. Every time I read an article like this it is such a good reminder the symptoms are different for women.
Shelley at BeyondPennies
This is very important information. I think there are misconceptions about what heart attack symptoms feel like and correlate it with chest pain. Thanks for educating us!
Ting
My grandma has heart problems so this is helpful to know all of these in case stuffs happen. Fingers crossed though
Prakhar Kasera
A couple of our near ones just had heart issues in the recent past and are still recovering from it. So heart precautions have already ringed the alarms for us, and coming across such article at this time is a huge complement for us. Thanks for this article.
Cyndi Buchanan
This is such important information. Heart issues run in my family.
Joanna
Everyone should know the signs of a heart attack, as their life can depend on it. Heart attacks can happen at any age, and I know people who suffered one when they were in their 40s!
Dominique
This is so true! Great point! Thanks for reading!
Candle
This is great information. Heart disease runs in my family. I will definitely shared what I learned in this article.
The handy journal
we always forget that heart diseases can be prevented with good lifestyle and exercise! thank you for raising awareness regarding this topic! keep it up !