A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. Without urgent treatment, the affected heart muscle begins to die. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UAE, making awareness of heart attack symptoms critical.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
The British Heart Foundation and the American Heart Association describe the following symptoms:
Classic Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort: A feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the centre or left side of the chest. This may last for more than a few minutes, or go away and return
- Pain radiating to the arms: Typically the left arm, but can affect both arms
- Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or stomach
- Shortness of breath: With or without chest discomfort
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Symptoms in Women
Women are more likely to experience atypical symptoms, which can lead to delayed diagnosis:
- Unusual fatigue (overwhelming tiredness that comes on suddenly)
- Shortness of breath without chest pain
- Upper back, shoulder, or throat pain
- Nausea and jaw pain
- Indigestion-like pressure in the upper abdomen
A 2018 study published in Circulation (Lichtman et al.) found that women under 55 who had heart attacks were less likely than men to report chest pain, making awareness of atypical symptoms essential.
What to Do If You Suspect a Heart Attack
Time is critical. Every minute without treatment increases heart muscle damage.
- 1Call emergency services immediately (998 in the UAE)
- 2Chew an aspirin (300 mg) if available and not allergic - aspirin helps thin the blood and may reduce clot formation
- 3Sit down and rest in a comfortable position (usually sitting upright)
- 4Do not drive yourself to the hospital
- 5If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing: Begin CPR (chest compressions at 100–120 per minute) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available
Remember: It is always better to call for help and be wrong than to wait and risk permanent heart damage or death.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors You Can Change
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking: Smokers are 2–4 times more likely to have a heart attack
- Diabetes: Doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Obesity: Particularly abdominal obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet: High in saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and sugar
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
Risk Factors You Cannot Change
- Age: Risk increases for men over 45 and women over 55
- Gender: Men have a higher overall risk, but heart disease is the greatest killer of women worldwide
- Family history: Especially if a close relative had a heart attack before age 55 (male) or 65 (female)
- Ethnicity: Some populations are at higher risk
Prevention
The European Society of Cardiology and the AHA recommend:
- 1Know your numbers: Regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar
- 2Do not smoke: Seek help to quit if needed
- 3Exercise regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
- 4Eat a heart-healthy diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats
- 5Maintain a healthy weight
- 6Manage stress: Regular relaxation, adequate sleep, social connection
- 7Take prescribed medications: If you have hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- 8Limit alcohol
Life After a Heart Attack
If you have had a heart attack:
- Follow your cardiac rehabilitation programme
- Take all prescribed medications (aspirin, statins, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors as directed)
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Make lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
- Know the warning signs of another event
- Seek psychological support if needed - anxiety and depression are common after a heart attack
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. In a medical emergency, call 998 (UAE) immediately.