Heart Attack in Men – Signs & Symptoms

Disease

Disease

Heart attack in men

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack in Men

Men are more likely than women to have a heart attack, as well as more likely than women to have a heart attack earlier in life.

A family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or high blood cholesterol is not uncommon in Australia. Other risk factors might also be present in men, such as cigarette smoking or obesity.

Pre heart attack symptoms occur in 50% of people who have heart attacks, according to the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.

Signs & Symptoms of Heart Attack in Men

  • cold sweat
  • dizziness/feeling light-headed
  • rapid/irregular heartbeat
  • shortness of breath even when resting
  • chest pain/pressure, squeezing sensation, intermittent or constant & intense
  • stomach discomfort not unlike indigestion
  • upper body pain/discomfort, including arms, left shoulder, back, neck, or jaw

Each heart attack is unique and symptoms can vary from person to person. Do not ignore early symptoms. Even when you’re not sure,  seek emergency care right away. The first 2 hours following a heart attack is when 85% of heart damage occurs.

Silent heart attack symptoms

A silent heart attack occurs without the symptoms. No chest pain or shortness of breath. You may not even realise you’ve had a heart attack. Silent heart attack is more likely to happen to men, but it’s more likely to be fatal for women. A study published in the US medical journal Circulation, revealed that 45% of heart attacks are silent. After a silent heart attack, the heart will be left with scars. Muscle death has occurred and the future chance of fatal heart attack will have been increased by a factor of three. The next heart attack has a strong chance of leading to fatal cardiac arrest. Read more about Sudden Cardiac Arrest. As the name suggests, it is not easy to recognise if you have had a silent heart attack and as a result, adequate treatment may not be received in order to prevent another.

How do you know you’ve had a silent heart attack?

An electrocardiogram can analyse the heart’s electrical activity. The ECG can therefore detect that a silent heart attack has occurred. Other symptoms attributed to flu, stress or tiredness could also have been present:

  • abdominal pain or heartburn

  • fatigue
  • mild discomfort in chest, arms, or jaw, easing after resting
  • shortness of breath/tiring easily
  • skin clamminess
  • sleep disturbances

After a silent heart attack, fatigue can come on sooner and exercise may become more difficult. Contributing factors for silent heart attacks include diabetes, previous heart attack history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and body weight.

Preventing a Heart Attack

Ask your doctor to test the condition of your heart if you have cardiac risk factors. You’ll have a better chance of staying on top of your heart health by scheduling regular medical check-ups and following a care plan. Learning to recognise the symptoms will also help you avoid the likelihood of severe heart damage from a heart attack by taking quick and decisive action. DisclaimerThis article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute, replace, or qualify as any form of first aid training.

Originally published at https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/heart-attack-symptoms-men
as part of the Australia Wide First Aid Articles Library

Related Articles

Aspergillosis Article Header
Aspergillosis

Although the term Aspergillosis may sound like a tongue twister, it's something that all Australians should be aware of, particularly given our warm, humid atmosphere which is ideal for the formation of mould.

Measles article header
Measles – Symptoms, Treatment and Control

Measles is an acute, highly contagious illness caused by the measles virus. Characterised by a rash and fever, it can lead to serious complication such as pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (inflammation to the brain). Measles is a notifiable illness, with medical staff required to notify their sate department of health. As such, it is something that we should all take very seriously.

diabetes article header
Diabetes Health Statistics Australia

Diabetes is of growing impact in Australia. The prevalence and impact of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes is increasing year by year. Recent data shows how many Australians are directly and indirectly impacted.

HFM Disease on hands
Prevent & Treat Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common viral infection that affects children under 5 years of age. It is characterized by painful sores on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. Knowing the symptoms and treatment options can help stop the spread of this highly contagious disease.

heart problem man
Leading Cause of Death in Men

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in Australia, with coronary heard diseases at the top of the list. It is vital to identify early signs. Seeking medical advice early can help lower the risk of death.

EpiPen injected into leg
New ASCIA Action Plans

For the first time since their implementation, ASICA Action Plans for Anaphylaxis have gone through a major reformatting.

symptom of stroke cerebral. asymmetry of the face. angioedema
Seizures After Stroke

Learn about the differences and similarities between strokes and seizures, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Find out how to recognise the signs and when to seek emergency medical help for these serious medical conditions.

An elderly woman props up her husband while he has a heart attack
Instant Help: Treating Heart Attacks

Knowing how to give first aid for heart attacks is vitally important. In this article, we will cover recognising the symptoms of a heart attack, immediate first aid for a heart attack, prevention of heart attacks for long-term health, and the benefits of taking a first aid course to prepare for heart attacks. Together, this information will help ensure you are prepared to give the best care possible in the event of a heart attack.

Elderly person checking their blood sugar level
3 Steps to Unlocking Diabetes First Aid Power!

Understanding Diabetes First Aid and taking action with it can help you unlock the power of diabetes first aid. Taking a diabetes first aid course can help you gain the knowledge and confidence you need to provide help and support to those affected by diabetes. In this article, we will explore the three simple steps you can take to master diabetes first aid.

An adult and a child cupping hands together
Sweetheart Day - annual campaign

Sweetheart Day is an annual campaign coordinated by HeartKids. Sweetheart Day falls on Valentine's Day and aims to raise awareness and funds for those affected by childhood-acquired and congenital heart disease (CHD).