What is signs of a heart attack

Back then, at…. Greg VanBellinger knew from family history that he was at risk for heart disease, but as a fitness enthusiast who stayed on top of his medical appointments, he believed his heart was in good shape. An offhand decision to participate in a fitness evaluation at Mayo Clinic, however, revealed that Greg's heart was not as [ Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Heart attack Open pop-up dialog box Close. Heart attack A heart attack occurs when an artery supplying your heart with blood and oxygen becomes blocked. More Information Heart attack symptoms. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Heart attack prevention: Should I avoid secondhand smoke? What is meant by the term "heart age"? Impromptu Evaluation Uncovers Life-Threatening Heart Disease Greg VanBellinger knew from family history that he was at risk for heart disease, but as a fitness enthusiast who stayed on top of his medical appointments, he believed his heart was in good shape.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Heart attack. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed May 1, Reeder GS, et al. Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. About heart attacks. American Heart Association. Cardiac rehabilitation: Indications adult.

Mayo Clinic; Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Remember, the chances of surviving a heart attack are better the sooner emergency treatment begins. Several health conditions, your lifestyle, and your age and family history can increase your risk for heart disease and heart attack. These are called risk factors.

About half of all Americans have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking. Some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control. Learn more about risk factors for heart disease and heart attack. Take our quiz external icon to see how much you know about cardiac rehabilitation.

You may also be at risk for another heart attack or conditions such as stroke , kidney disorders, and peripheral arterial disease PAD.

You can lower your chances of having future health problems following a heart attack with these steps:. A team of people may help you through cardiac rehab, including your health care team, exercise and nutrition specialists, physical therapists, and counselors or mental health professionals.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Heart Disease. This symptom is a warning sign of blocked or narrowed arteries. Heart attack pain may not be confined to the chest area. Pain or discomfort in your arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach can also be heart attack-related. But many people do not associate pain in these areas with having a heart attack — which may prevent them from getting immediate medical attention.

Shortness of breath can occur with or without a chest pain during a heart attack. Research has found that shortness of breath is the third most reported symptom before a heart attack among women — and the top symptom during a heart attack. Another common symptom is finding yourself breaking out in a cold sweat. For women, this means night sweats may not just be the result of menopause. They might also be a sign of heart problems. These symptoms usually start slowly, and they may go away and come back.

This can be complicated because these symptoms may be related to something less serious, such as heartburn. You know your body best, though. But this can make identifying a heart attack confusing. You may experience pain or discomfort in your:. These symptoms can vary from person to person. For example, some people describe their back pain from a heart attack as feeling like a rope being tied around them.

You may also feel a heavy pressure on your back. Waking up in a cold sweat, feeling nauseated, and vomiting may be symptoms of the flu, but they can also be signs of a silent heart attack.