What are the symptoms of a blockage in the heart?

As a healthcare professional, I would like to clarify that blockages in the heart, often caused by atherosclerosis or blood clots, can lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks. It's important to recognize the symptoms, which can sometimes be atypical, especially in women. Here are some common symptoms of a heart blockage: 1. Chest pain or discomfort: This can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest, and it can last for a few minutes or come and go. 2. **Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back, or abdominal discomfort**: Pain or discomfort may be felt in these areas and can sometimes be mistaken for other types of pain. 3. Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest pain and may be a sign of heart failure or other heart-related issues. 4. Pain in one or both arms: This is often a radiating pain that originates from the chest. 5. Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms can accompany heart-related pain and are more common in women. 6. Sweating: Breaking out in a cold sweat for no apparent reason can be a sign of a heart attack. 7. Lightheadedness or dizziness: Feeling faint or dizzy may indicate a heart problem. 8. Unusual fatigue: Feeling extremely tired without a clear reason can be a sign of a heart issue. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Women are more likely than men to have heart attack symptoms unrelated to chest pain, such as:Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdominal discomfort.Shortness of breath.Pain in one or both arms.Nausea or vomiting.Sweating.Lightheadedness or dizziness.Unusual fatigue.