A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood supply to the heart is restricted, leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells.

Both men and women are at risk of experiencing a heart attack, but the signs and symptoms can differ depending on gender. Here are some of the key signals to watch out for, as well as the factors that can increase your risk of suffering from a heart attack.

Signs of a Heart Attack in Men

Men are more likely than women to experience classic symptoms of a heart attack, such as:.

Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, fullness, or squeezing
Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, or stomach
Shortness of breath, with or without chest pain
Cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness

Signs of a Heart Attack in Women

In contrast, women are more likely to experience non-classic symptoms of a heart attack, such as:.

Chest pain or pressure that may be sudden or gradual, and may or may not be severe
Pain or discomfort in the back, jaw, neck, shoulder, or stomach
Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or fainting
Fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
Sweating or clamminess

Risk Factors for Heart Attack

Several factors can increase your risk of suffering from a heart attack:.

Age: The risk of heart attack increases with age, particularly after age 45 for men and 55 for women
Family history: If your parents or siblings have had a heart attack, you may be at higher risk
High blood pressure: Consistently elevated blood pressure can damage the walls of your arteries, making a heart attack more likely
High blood cholesterol: When there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up in the walls of your arteries, leading to blockages and heart attacks
Smoking: Tobacco use damages your blood vessels and increases your risk of heart attack
Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage your blood vessels and increase the likelihood of plaque buildup
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put additional strain on your heart and increase your risk of heart attack
A sedentary lifestyle: Not getting enough physical activity can also increase the risk of heart attack

Prevention of Heart Attack

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart attack:.

Quit smoking or using tobacco products
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that’s low in saturated and trans fats, salt, and added sugars
Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week
Maintain a healthy weight
Manage stress through relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga
Treat any underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
Take medications as prescribed by your doctor
Get regular check-ups and screenings to monitor your heart health

Conclusion

A heart attack can be a life-threatening event, but with proper awareness of the warning signs and risk factors, as well as healthy lifestyle habits and medical care, you can reduce your risk and protect your heart health for years to come.