To remain healthy, the heart requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, like any muscle in the body. Two large coronary arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. If one of these arteries becomes blocked suddenly, a portion of the heart is starved of oxygen. If the heart is deprived of oxygen too long, heart tissue will die. This condition is a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction.
Heart attack symptoms: when to call
Call 911 immediately if you think that you or a loved one is having a heart attack. Tell the emergency team you’re having a heart attack. Do not drive to the hospital.
Symptoms of heart attack vary somewhat for men and women.
Women
- Sudden onset of severe fatigue, like the flu, often with vague chest discomfort
- Discomfort, fullness, tightness, squeezing or pressure in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or comes and goes
- Pressure or pain that spreads to the upper back, shoulders, neck, jaw or arms
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- Dizziness or nausea
- Clammy sweats, heart flutters or paleness
- Unexplained feelings of anxiety, fatigue or weakness, especially with exertion
- Severe stomach or abdominal pain
Men
- Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes
- Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms
- Pain, dizziness, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath
- Any chest discomfort that causes anxiety or concern
- Any of the above symptoms that disappear with rest, then return with exertion
- Pain that lasts for 10 to 15 minutes while you are resting should be evaluated immediately.
