The symptoms of a heart attack may include: chest pain or discomfort, difficulty breathing and dizziness. It is important to note that not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is the result of a blockage in a coronary artery that carries blood to the heart. This disruption in blood flow can cause symptoms and damage the heart muscle.
In this article, we will mention the symptoms of a heart attack and discuss what to do when the symptoms start.
In some people, a heart attack symptoms may occur gradually, and in others it may occur suddenly.
Not everyone will experience all the symptoms of a heart attack, and the symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. If someone has had a heart attack in the past, the same symptoms may occur next time.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), phases can include:
Chest pain or discomfort
Chest pain is a common symptom of a heart attack.
At this stage of a heart attack, people may experience the following sensations in their chest:
- ache
- pressure
- sore
- heaviness
Some people also say that they experience a feeling of anxiety that may feel like they are being ‘pinched’.
Sometimes these sensations can occur suddenly and intensely. This happens when the blockage occurs suddenly. If the blockage progresses slowly over time, the symptoms appear gradually. In these cases, people may misunderstand the feelings of heartburn or indigestion.
Anyone who experiences symptoms that occur with exertion and resolve with rest, even if it occurs gradually, should always discuss it with a doctor, especially if it progresses over time.
However, people should not wait to get medical care for their chest pain. They should be treated medically immediately, especially if other signs of a heart attack also occur.
Pain or discomfort in other areas
The sensations that someone may experience in the chest can spread or radiate to other body parts, including:
- back
- jawbone
- neck
- stomach
- arm or shoulder
Shortness of breath
A person may experience breathing problems before or during a heart attack.
Shortness of breath may occur due to increasing pressure in the heart or as a symptom of the blockages in the blood vessels.
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Some people may feel faint, dizzy or light.
This may be due to poor blood circulation, or it may be a direct result of the symptoms of the blockage.
Cold sweat
Cold sweats or dampness can also occur during heart attacks.
Cold sweats can feel similar to the sweats that can occur during flu or another viral illness.
Individuals should take note of other symptoms that occur along with cold sweats. If it is similar to that of a heart attack, a person urgently needs medical help.
Stomach symptoms
Some people experience gastrointestinal symptoms when they have a heart attack. People can have:
These stomach symptoms can cause people to have a heart attack due to heartburn.
Read here about the differences between heart attack and heartburn.
Fatigue
Unexplained fatigue is another possible symptom of a heart attack or impending heart attack.
People often say that they are more tired than usual, as the blockages can be progressive.
Anxiety
During a heart attack, people may also experience a feeling of panic or anxiety. People can confuse panic attacks and heart attacks, given the similarity between the symptoms.
Understand here the difference between a panic attack and a heart attack.
Sex and gender exist on spectra. In this article, the terms “male”, “female” or both are used to refer to gender assigned during birth. Click here to find out more.
The symptoms and phases of a heart attack may be different in women than in men.
Some sources state that females, for example, are less likely to experience breast pressure. Females do not even have chest pain.
Other sources explain that women are more likely to experience the following symptoms:
- short of breath
- nausea and vomiting
- fatigue
- pain, especially in the back, shoulders or jaw
However, according to the British Heart Foundation, women may be more likely to ignore the symptoms and not seek help as quickly.
Anyone who is experiencing possible symptoms of a heart attack or is not sure if they are experiencing symptoms should seek emergency treatment immediately.
Read more here about the symptoms of a heart attack in women.
It is extremely important that people seek emergency medical treatment at the first signs of a heart attack. Untreated heart attacks can lead to serious complications or death.
With treatment, however, most people will recover after a heart attack.
It is important to call 911 immediately if anyone is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack. The AHA recommends that the treatment of an ambulance can start up to 60 minutes earlier than when people arrive at the hospital by car.
People who experience symptoms of heart attacks should not try to drive themselves.
Waiting for medical help
If a doctor has prescribed heart medicine for heart disease, a person should make sure he has used the medication. Examples of such cardiac medications include beta-blockers and nitroglycerin.
Others may take an aspirin tablet that may dilute the blood. However, a person should only take aspirin if a doctor or respondent recommends it.
Urgent treatment is needed to reduce the risk of serious damage to the heart tissue.
Immediate treatment
Immediate hospital treatment, even in the absence of a diagnosis, may include:
- aspirin, to prevent further blood clotting
- nitroglycerin, to help relax the arteries to improve blood flow
- oxygen therapy, to increase the amount of oxygen in a person’s body
- morphine, to relieve symptoms
- blood thinner medication, to resolve the blockage in the artery
Once a person has been diagnosed with a heart attack, a doctor may prescribe medication to dissolve blood clots, perform an operation, or both.
Doctors can perform a procedure to suck the blood clot or place a metal tube, called a stent, to open the blockage. They will probably also prescribe other medications to reduce the risk of future heart attacks.
Surgery
Sometimes surgery may be needed to improve blood flow to the heart. A surgeon may perform coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Coronary angioplasty, which people also call percutaneous intervention, involves the opening of a coronary artery with a stent. Bypass surgery involves redirecting the blood flow around a blockage.
Specific treatment may vary depending on the type of heart attack.
Read more here about the treatment for different types of heart attacks.
Recovery time may vary depending on the treatment and severity of the heart attack.
Some people may return to work and other activities within two weeks, but others may need a few months to recover. The recovery time also depends on whether the person underwent a procedure, how the surgeon performed it and whether there were any complications.
Most people will recover from a heart attack and lead a full and productive life.
To improve their prospects, people should seek medical treatment for heart attack symptoms. After recovery, they should follow their treatment plan and follow a heart-healthy lifestyle with preventative methods.
Individuals can take steps to keep their heart healthy and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
According to the AHA, ways to help prevent a heart attack can include:
There are many ways someone can reduce or control stress. This can include meditation, yoga or relaxation techniques.
Improving cholesterol levels can also help prevent a heart attack.
Read here how you can improve cholesterol levels.
A person should also take any medication according to the prescription, both for heart disease or other conditions that increase the risk of a heart attack. These conditions can include diabetes or hypertension.
Preventive strategies can be especially important for those who have already had a heart attack.
According to the AHA, about 20% of those 45 years and older will have a heart attack again within the first five years.
A heart attack can cause several symptoms, of which the chest pain is the best known. Sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness and fatigue are among the other possible symptoms.
However, it is important to remember that not everyone will experience every symptom, and that the symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. Women in particular are less likely to develop certain symptoms of a heart attack.
Call 911 is the most important thing anyone can do if they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. Immediate medical attention improves the prospects for those who have a heart attack.
People who feel anxious about their risks should talk to their doctor about techniques to help them manage their symptoms and lower their risk level.