Journal of Hypertension: Open Access

When blood flow to the coronary artery of the heart is diminished or halted, damage to the heart muscle ensues. This is known as a myocardial infarction (MI). The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort, which can move to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw. It usually occurs in the middle or left side of the chest and lasts several minutes. It's probable that the discomfort will occasionally feel like heartburn. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, faintness, a cold sweat, or tiredness. About 30% of people experience atypical symptoms. Rather than chest pain, women are more likely to experience neck discomfort, arm pain, or weariness. Approximately 5% of persons over the age of 75 have had a MI with no or few preceding symptoms. A MI can cause heart failure, abnormal heartbeat, cardiogenic shock, or cardiac arrest.