Heart attack symptoms can appear at once or they might build up over time. One of the common signs is chest pressure or discomfort.. A heart attack can also bring on shortness of breath, heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, extreme tiredness or pain that moves to the arm, jaw, neck, shoulder or back.
Recognizing
these signs early can help people know when to act fast and get help right
away.
A
heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked.
Without oxygen- blood that part of the heart can start to get damaged. Getting
treatment quickly is very important. Waiting long can lead to more heart
damage.
Important: If you think you or someone else might be having a heart
attack call emergency help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to get worse.
Do not try to figure out what is wrong, on your own. Get help now.
What Is a Heart Attack?
This
is an emergency. It’s important to know a heart attack is not the same as
arrest. A heart attack means the heart muscle is being damaged because blood
flow stops.. Cardiac arrest means the heart suddenly stops beating properly due
to an electrical issue. Even though they sound similar they are conditions,
with different treatments.
10 Heart Attack Symptoms You Should Know
1.
Chest Pain, Pressure or Discomfort
Chest
discomfort is one of the common heart attack warning signs.
It
may feel like:
• Pressure or heaviness in the chest
• Tightness or squeezing
• Burning or aching
• Fullness or uncomfortable pressure
• Discomfort, in the center or left side
of the chest
The
sensation may last for minutes or disappear and return.
Importantly
heart attack discomfort does not always feel like pain. Some people experience
mild symptoms.
2.
Pain or Discomfort in the Arm
Discomfort
that comes from the heart can sometimes spread from the chest to the arm or
shoulder. This pain might show up in one arm or both arms. Some people also
feel it in their shoulders back or other parts of the upper body. If there is
pain in the arm and it happens at the same time as chest pressure, trouble
breathing, sweating or feeling sick, to the stomach it should be taken very
seriously.
3.
Shortness of Breath
Sudden or unexplained shortness
of breath can be another warning sign.
Shortness of breath may come with
chest discomfort. However shortness of breath can also happen without chest
pain.
Therefore unexplained shortness of
breath should not automatically be dismissed as tiredness, anxiety or a minor
respiratory problem—especially when other heart attack symptoms are present..
4.
Pain in the Jaw, Neck or Back
A
heart attack does not always lead to pain in the chest.
Pain
or pressure can move to the:
•
Jaw
•
Neck
•
Upper
•
Shoulders
•
Arms
These
signs can sometimes be thought of as muscle pain or other problems.
When
unusual discomfort in the part of the body happens along, with other possible
signs of a heart attack getting emergency medical help is important.
5.
Cold Sweating
Breaking
out in a sweat without a clear cause can happen during a heart attack. This
kind of sweating becomes more serious when it shows up along with chest
pressure, trouble breathing, nausea, dizziness or feeling weak. Sweating can be
caused by things so it does not mean you are having a heart attack just by
itself.. If it happens at the same time, as other warning signs it should not
be written off. Pay attention. Get help if needed.
6.
Nausea or Vomiting
Some
people who have a heart attack may feel nausea. May vomit.
These
symptoms can be confusing because they can look like food poisoning,
indigestion or a stomach infection.
Nausea
or vomiting becomes more concerning when it occurs with chest discomfort,
sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness or unusual weakness
7.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling suddenly dizzy, weak or
lightheaded can also occur during a heart attack.
Some people may feel as though they
are about to faint.
If sudden dizziness occurs alongside
chest discomfort, breathing difficulty, sweating or nausea, seek emergency
medical assistance rather than waiting to see whether it passes.
8.
Unusual Tiredness or Weakness
Feeling
unusually tired or weak can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack.
This
symptom may be hard to notice because people often think it is just due, to
work not sleeping enough or stress in life.
Sudden
weakness or tiredness that happens without a reason especially when it comes
with other warning signs should not be ignored. It is important to seek help
right away.
9.
Fast or Irregular Heartbeat
Some people may notice their heart beating in a way that's
unusual. It might be very fast. It might not beat in a regular pattern. The
heart might also beat hard.
A
heartbeat that races or feels like it is fluttering can have different reasons.
It does not always mean that there is a heart attack. However if the heartbeats
are accompanied by chest pain, trouble breathing feeling dizzy or passing out
then it might be necessary to get emergency help.
10. Indigestion-Like Discomfort
One
of the reasons heart attacks can be hard to spot is that the symptoms often
look like indigestion or heartburn. A person might feel burning,
pressure, a full feeling or discomfort, in the chest or upper stomach area.
Since heartburn and heart attack symptoms can be very similar it is important
not to think that unexplained or strange chest discomfort is indigestion. This
is especially true when other warning signs show up.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Heart
attack symptoms can be different for everyone. Women might not always have the
signs that people think of when they hear "heart attack." While chest
pain or pressure is common women may also have symptoms such as:
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
•
Unusual tiredness
•
Weakness
•
Back or shoulder discomfort
•
Jaw or neck discomfort
•
Lightheadedness
This
does not mean that every time a woman feels tired or has nausea or back pain it
is a heart attack. These symptoms can be caused by other things.. If symptoms
come on suddenly or feel different from what is usual—especially if several
happen at once—they should be taken seriously. It is always better to be safe,
than sorry.
Can
You Have a Heart Attack Without Severe Chest Pain?
Yes.
Not
every heart attack begins with severe chest pain.
Some
people experience discomfort, pressure, unusual fatigue, nausea, shortness of
breath or pain in another part of the body.
Some
heart attacks can also have symptoms.
This
is why waiting for chest pain before seeking help can be risky.
If
symptoms are consistent, with a heart attack seek emergency medical care
promptly.
What
Should You Do If You Think You're Having a Heart Attack?
What
Should You Do If You Think You're Having a Heart Attack?
If
you think you are having a heart attack or if someone else appears to be having
one call your emergency medical service right away. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. Symptoms can
get fast. Emergency medical personnel can start helping the person while
arranging for transport to a hospital. They can provide care on the way.
If
you can do not drive yourself to the hospital. It is safer to let emergency
medical services take you. They can give help during the ride. They might even
start treatment before you arrive.
If
the person loses consciousness and is not breathing normally this could be
arrest. Call emergency services immediately. If you are trained in CPR begin
chest compressions away. Use an automated defibrillator or AED if one is
available. It can help restart the heart. Time matters. Every second counts.
Why
Early Treatment Matters
Why
Treatment Matters
I
see that early treatment matters. A heart attack stops the flow of oxygen-
blood to a part of the heart muscle.
The
longer the blockage stays untreated the likely heart muscle damage will happen.
Doctors
can use tests such, as an electrocardiogram or ECG and blood tests
including troponin testing to help determine if someone is having a heart
attack.
Treatment
depends on the type and cause of the heart attack. May involve medicines or
procedures that aim to restore blood flow.
Common
Heart Attack Risk Factors
There
are things that can raise the risk of heart disease and heart attack. These
include:
•
Blood pressure
•
High cholesterol
•
Smoking
•
Diabetes
•
Physical inactivity
•
Excess body weight
•
Increasing age
•
Family history of heart disease
I
know that some risk factors cannot be changed, such as age and family history.
Others can often be addressed through care and lifestyle changes. Regular
health checkups can help identify conditions such, as blood pressure, diabetes
and high cholesterol, which may not cause obvious symptoms.
Heart
Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest: What's the Difference?
The words heart attack and cardiac arrest are often
confused. People use them the way.. They are not the same thing.
A heart
attack happens when blood can't reach a part of the heart. This is usually
because a blood vessel is blocked. The heart muscle starts to die.
Cardiac
arrest is when the heart stops working at once. This happens because of a
problem, with the heart’s system. The heart doesn’t pump blood anymore.
Sometimes
a heart attack can cause arrest.. That doesn’t mean they are the same.
Both are
serious. Both need help away. Getting help fast can save a life.
Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is usually the sign of a heart attack?
The
first sign of a heart attack is often chest pressure, squeezing, heaviness or discomfort..
Symptoms can be different for everyone. Some people may first notice shortness
of breath, nausea, extreme tiredness, dizziness or pain in the arm, jaw, neck
or back.
Can
a heart attack feel like gas or indigestion?
Yes
sometimes a heart attack can feel like gas or indigestion. The discomfort might
be the same as heartburn.. Just because chest pain feels like indigestion does
not mean it is. If there are warning signs it's better to get help right away.
What
are the symptoms of a heart attack in women?
Women
may have chest discomfort. They can also have shortness of breath, nausea,
extreme tiredness, weakness, dizziness or pain in the back, shoulder, jaw or
neck. These symptoms can be more subtle than in men.
Can
a heart attack happen without chest pain?
Yes
a heart attack can happen without chest pain. Some people feel nothing all, in
the chest. Instead they may have shortness of breath, nausea, unusual fatigue,
dizziness or discomfort in the body.
When
should you seek emergency help?
You
should seek emergency help immediately if you think you or someone else may be
having a heart attack. Do not wait. Even if the symptoms seem mild it is better
to be safe and get attention right away.
The
Bottom Line
Heart
attack symptoms may appear in different ways for each person. Chest pressure
or discomfort shortness of breath pain, in the arm or upper body cold
sweating, nausea, dizziness and unusual tiredness are some of the warning
signs that people should know.
The
important message is simple. Do not ignore heart attack symptoms. Do not
wait for heart attack symptoms to become severe.
If
you suspect a heart attack contact your emergency medical service right away.
This
article is intended for health information. It does not replace diagnosis,
treatment or advice from a healthcare professional.
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