Heart Attacks and Their Symptoms

For Men and Women

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Sadly, just last week, Six Blades La Mesa lost one of their students to a sudden Widow Maker Heart Attack. Symptoms apparently coming on while he was training at an open mat.

Steve Cotter was a Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt, a Chronic Pain and Longevity Coach, Kettlebell expert, and from what I’m hearing an all around great guy and training partner. A few of my students actually rolled with him on Sunday. Several texting me with the news of his passing, and one IM’d me in complete shock saying, “He was giving me some pointers on techniques and stuff.”

While I didn’t know Steve personally, my heart goes out to his friends and family. In honor of the man, who made fitness such an important part of his life, I thought I would cover the symptoms of heart attack for both men and women.

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First and foremost, we need to make sure that we’re getting our yearly check ups done, watching what we’re eating, and paying attention to our bodies. I’ll admit, stuff like this scares the shit out of me. While I’ve never had a medical emergency, I see my doctor several times a year over one issue or another. I’m actually scheduling my Yearly Physical for my birthday month in February this week.

I would also add the following.

Gyms should put on first aid and CPR training regularly for their students and staff. Gracie La Mesa put one on just last year and Five Peaks Jiu-Jitsu is doing one next weekend. This kind of training is incredibly important for gyms and academies to have on the books.

During my nearly fourteen years of training, I’ve had several friends and training partners have medical episodes, from severe knee injuries, broken bones, to strokes.

Spotting the signs and knowing what to do is a must.

General Symptoms:

• Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching

• Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or sometimes the upper belly

• Cold sweats

• Fatigue

• Heartburn or indigestion

• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath

Symptoms in Women:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It may last more than a few minutes or go away and return.

• Pain or discomfort in

  • Arms (One or Both)

  • Back

  • Neck

  • Jaw

  • Stomach.

• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

Misc. signs may include

• Breaking out in a cold sweat

• Nausea

• Lightheadedness.

Train hard and stay safe out there.

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DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!