Early treatment of heart attacks is critical to try to unblock the arteries and limit the amount of muscle death. In some cases, death may occur during a heart attack, regardless of the size of the area affected by the blockage. Damage to the heart cells that regulate the heartbeat may cause fatal heart rhythm problems. Sometimes, the heart muscle weakens and can tear as a result of the damage. You are more likely to have a heart attack as you get older.
Heart attacks are more likely to occur at a younger age in men than in women.
Female hormones seem to help protect women until menopause, when the body produces less of these hormones. Heart disease is more likely to be correctly diagnosed in men and less likely to be suspected in women. You may feel pressure or pain in the middle of your chest. The pain may extend into your shoulder and arm or into your abdomen or jaw. The pain may be severe.