Can you spot the signs of a heart attack?

More than 16,000 Canadians die as the result of a heart attack every year. Get to know the symptoms and the warning signs

Can you spot the signs of a heart attack?

Source: Best Health Magazine, January/February 2011

In the past, it was believed women and men had different warning signs, but this may not be the case. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada says the most common symptoms of a heart attack for both men and women include:

Pain in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, arms or back, that doesn’t go away with rest. Chest discomfort or pain brought on by exertion, but which doesn’t go away with rest, may also be a sign. Pain can feel like a squeezing, burning, heaviness, tightness or pressure, but women may describe pain differently than men.

Shortness of breath

Nausea‘Also indigestion, vomiting

Sweating or cool, clammy skin

FearAnxiety, denial

This article was originally titled "On a Mission" in the January/February 2011 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today and never miss an issue!