It is also known as hardening of the arteries. When the artery closes, the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart drops suddenly and sharply. This causes damage to the heart. Signs and symptoms Most of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack are the same for both men and women. Call 911 or your local emergency number to get help right away.
Many people find it hard to believe they are having a heart attack.
They convince themselves that the symptoms are something else, and that they will go away. One survey showed that more than 2 out of 3 people who went to hospital with heart attacks denied they were having one. On average, Canadians wait almost five hours before getting medical help for their symptoms. Yet half of heart attack deaths happen within two hours of the first signs . The faster you get help, the better your chances of surviving a heart attack.