Heart Attack Symptoms In Men

Answer 1

Thousands of men die every year of a heart attack. Heart disease kills more men each year than other illnesses or other causes of death. One aspect of heart attacks that makes them so deadly to men is that some heart attack symptoms can be mild. Sometimes symptoms may not present at all. It is important for men to know what symptoms to look for that indicate a heart attack so that they can seek medical attention immediately.

The symptom of heart attack that most people are aware of is sudden chest pain or pressure. Having one or both of these symptoms is typically what makes men suspect they are having a heart attack and seek medical attention. Chest pain is a common symptom but it is not always present. Some men may experience neck pain rather than chest pain and mistake it for muscle strain, or they may have an intense headache or pain in their jaw. Chest pain and pressure that precede a heart attack are usually much milder than people expect it to be; pain that indicates a heart attack is not always debilitating. If a person experiences sudden chest pain or pressure sets in, he should seek medical attention immediately, particularly if he is at risk for a heart attack.

Pain that feels similar to indigestion is also a common heart attack symptom. Nausea, vomiting and discomfort in the chest and stomach can often lead men to think they are experiencing indigestion. When these symptoms present with arm or chest pain, it can be indicative of a heart attack.

Shortness of breath and increased heart rate are symptoms of heart attack that are often mistaken for something else. For example, heart rate often increases during exercise or other strenuous physical activity, and people can feel shortness of breath during such activities. Heart attacks can occur while undergoing such activities, possibly leading men to believe they are only effects of the physical exertion. Shortness of breath and increased heart rate are also symptomatic of anxiety, which is itself a symptom of a heart attack. Anxiety accompanied by sweating or other abdominal symptoms may be the result of a heart attack.

Nearly one-fourth of heart attacks are not diagnosed until after the attack has taken place, because they present with no symptoms or are mistaken for something other than a heart attack. Men frequently do not seek medical attention in the presence of many heart attack symptoms because they feel that they can get through the pain on their own without medical help. However, medical attention is vital during a heart attack, and seeking help can mean the difference between life and death.

Answer 2

The British Heart Foundation estimates that, somewhere in the UK, someone (and, probably, a male) will die of a heart attack every six minutes. Since early diagnosis and treatment have been shown to be the only factors that can dramatically reduce the early mortality associated with acute heart events, here is a quick look at the symptoms of a heart attack in men.

Chest Pain / Chest Discomfort

The "classic" description of the chest pain that is associated with a heart attack is "crushing," "squeezing," "like someone was sitting on my chest," or even "I thought I would die on the spot!" However, it must be remembered that not all heart attack victims feel the "classic" type pain.

A good rule to follow is that if any pain in the chest is unusual enough to notice, it is probably worth having it checked out by a health care practitioner. If all the labs and other tests come back normal, then well and good! You just played it safe. If the labs come back abnormal, it just might save you life down the road.

Sweating

If sweating occurs at the same time as chest pain, the probability that you might be having a heart attack increases by a factor of two. Put another way: "Until proven otherwise, chest pain plus sweating equals a heart attack!"

Nausea

Many men that have survived a heart attack report a feeling of nausea, with or without vomiting, during hours following their heart attacks. Beware of nausea that occurs at the same time as any other symptom of a heart attack.

Irregular PulsThe normal human pulse is fairly regular, without "extra" beats or unusual pauses. Should you develop irregularities of your pulse that occurs with any other symptom of a heart attack, have someone contact your local ambulance service at once. Do not attempt to drive yourself to a hospital!

To cap off, this short article has presented the primary symptoms of a heart attack in men. Should any question arise as to whether you may be having a heart attack, it is always best to err on the side of caution. Never take chances with your heart!