A heart attack sometimes occurs when the heart muscle suddenly needs more oxygen. This might happen, for example, during hard exercise such as shoveling snow, or when your blood pressure suddenly increases. This increased oxygen need is also thought to be the reason cocaine abuse causes chest pain, heart attack, and sudden death. The risk of a heart attack increases with age. It is more likely to occur at a younger age in men than in women.
Female hormones tend to help protect women until levels decrease after menopause.
Heart disease is more likely to be correctly diagnosed in men and more likely not to be suspected in women. You may feel pressure or pain in the middle of your chest, which can last 15 minutes or longer. The pain may extend into your shoulder and arm or into your abdomen or jaw. The discomfort may or may not be severe. In severe cases, sudden death may occur.