Heart attack or myocardial infarction is a medical emergency that has become one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. One person dies every 40 seconds due to myocardial infarction. Several causes have contributed to the onset of heart attack, making it one of the most common conditions in the country.
It is scary to learn that men are more prone to heart attacks than women. One in four male deaths is due to heart attacks. Also, 1 out of 5 heart attacks is silent, that is, the body endures the condition without experiencing any symptoms. So, it is very important to be aware of heart attacks and its symptoms.
Causes of Heart Attack in Men
From heredity to lifestyle, heart attacks are caused by various factors and often cannot be narrowed down to a single factor. Some of the most common causes of heart attacks in men are:
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- A lifestyle that lacks any physical activity
- Diet followed
- Hereditary
- Consumption of alcohol
- Smoking
The right type of treatment should be followed for the causes to reduce the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor before taking any treatment.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Men
People are deceived by the idea that symptoms of heart attack are the same for males and females. Although they share some major symptoms, it is different when it comes to some signs of a heart attack. Women experience a wide range of symptoms while the list is a bit short for men. Symptoms of a heart attack in males include
- Chest Pain
This is the most commonly experienced symptom of a heart attack in men. Starting with mild pain or discomfort in the chest region, the pain can either subside or intensify. Chest pain is often the onset factor for a heart attack so it should not be taken lightly. “Hollywood Heart Attack” is a term used for severe chest pain, almost in a dramatic way. Men should visit a doctor at the earliest if they experience chest pain.
- Chest Pressure
It is important to understand that chest pain and chest pressure are different. Chest pressure is when a person experiences squeezing, tightening, or pressure in the chest area. The pressure can be felt with or without pain. The intensity and duration of the pressure vary in men.
- Pain in Body Parts
Heart attack symptoms in men can also be noted through the pain occurring in body parts like shoulders, back, arms, jaw, neck, and stomach. Little to no blood supply to these parts can trigger this symptom in men.
- Other Symptoms
Some less common symptoms are shortness of breath, fluid build-up in the lungs, and coughing or wheezing. These symptoms are less common in men than women.
What Are the Silent Signs of a Heart Attack?
A silent heart attack occurs when the condition shows no symptoms in the person’s body, making the onset of the attack go unrecognized. The signs of silent heart attack are subtle so they must be observed. Some of the signs are chest pain, discomfort, lightheadedness, pain in the arms, neck, shoulder, and back.
While heart attacks are often associated with old men, a sedentary lifestyle makes us more prone to several heart diseases. The number of men experiencing heart attacks is frightening and most of them are under 40. Precautionary measures should be taken effectively by men of all age groups to prevent the effect of heart attacks. Never hesitate to visit a doctor if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
