What Does a Heart Attack Feel Like and How Can You Prevent It?

A heart attack doesn’t always look like it does in the movies- an old man clutching his chest in extreme pain. While that can happen, many people experience different symptoms that are too often ignored. 

Most people don’t describe heart attack symptoms as "pain." Instead, they talk about pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the chest. Many even say, "I’m not having chest pain," because it doesn’t feel like the sharp pain they expected. 

Common signs of a heart attack 

Both men and women can experience: 

• Central chest pressure, tightness, or heaviness 
• Pain that spreads to the neck, shoulder, back, or jaw 
• Shortness of breath 
• Sweating 

Women may also experience: 

• Nausea or vomiting 
• Overwhelming fatigue 
• Anxiety 
• A sense of doom 

Risk factors for heart attack and heart disease 

Several factors increase the risk of a heart attack: 

• Gender: Men are at higher risk, but the gap is closing. 
• Age: The risk grows as you get older. 
• Underlying health conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes (even if well controlled), and high cholesterol can all increase risk. 
• Family history: A family history of premature heart disease raises your chances. 
• Smoking: Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of both heart disease and cancer. 

How to prevent heart disease 

You can take steps to lower your risk: 

• Exercise regularly 
• Eat a heart-healthy diet with lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Avoid fast and processed foods. 
• Manage stress by taking time each day to reset and recenter. 

Early detection and proactive care

Advances in diagnostic testing allow us to catch heart disease earlier than ever before. Being proactive about your heart health is always better than reacting after a problem arises. 

"We know our bodies. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to be safe and get checked out." 

Bottom line: If you're worried about your heart health, talk to your provider or come see us at Elliot Heart and Vascular Center. 

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Dr. Jessica Sutherland is an interventional cardiologist at Elliot Heart and Vascular Center in Manchester, NH.