A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is severely reduced or completely blocked. This is often caused by a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the coronary arteries, leading to a clot that restricts oxygen supply to the heart. Without prompt medical intervention, the heart muscle can suffer permanent damage.

Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack is critical, as early treatment can save lives. However, symptoms can vary between individuals, and men and women often experience different warning signs.

Common symptoms of a heart attack

While heart attack symptoms can differ, there are several common warning signs to look out for:

1. Chest discomfort: This may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center or left side of the chest. It can last for more than a few minutes or go away and return.
2. Shortness of breath: This may occur with or without chest pain and can feel like difficulty catching your breath or an unusual sense of breathlessness.
3. Pain in other areas of the upper body: Discomfort can spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
4. Cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness: Some individuals may experience sweating, dizziness or feeling faint.

How men and women's symptoms differ

Men and women often experience different heart attack symptoms, which can lead to delayed recognition and treatment in women.

Men's symptoms:

• Classic chest pain or pressure, often described as a "crushing" sensation
• Pain radiating to the left arm or jaw
• Shortness of breath and sweating
• Nausea or discomfort in the upper body

Women's symptoms:

• Less obvious chest pain; may feel like tightness, burning or pressure
• More likely to experience pain in the jaw, back or shoulders
• Unusual fatigue or sudden unexplained weakness
• Nausea, vomiting or flu-like symptoms

Understanding heart attack symptoms and the differences between men and women can help you seek timely medical care.

What to do if you experience symptoms

If you or someone else is experiencing signs of a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Do not ignore symptoms or wait to see if they improve. Early medical intervention can make a significant difference in survival and recovery outcomes.

Tanner Health has emergency departments in each of its medical centers located in Carrollton, Villa Rica and Bremen, Georgia, and Wedowee, Alabama. It also operates West Georgia Ambulance in Carroll County, Georgia.