Warning Symptoms of Heart Attack

There is no specific symptom or signs to suggest a heart attack. However, there are a few common signs and symptoms of a heart attack such as crushing pain in the left side of chest, sweating of the jaw/left arm, a feeling of impending doom and palpitation or an increased conscious feeling of your own heart. A sudden loss of consciousness, racing heartbeat and giddiness are usually preceded by heart attacks.

Heart attack, one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide, occurs when blood flow to coronary arteries is blocked. It interferes with primary function of coronary arteries which is to bring blood and oxygen to the heart. As the blood flow is blocked, the heart is starved of oxygen and heart cells die, referred to as heart attack.

Understanding the Warning Signs of

Chest pain: The most prominent sign of a heart attack is chest pain which is not always sharp or severe. It could be a feeling of squeezing, pressure, heaviness or numbness. The pain starting from chest may spread further to the back or shoulders. Chest pain may come and go or an individual may experience persistent discomfort.

Abdominal pain: Besides chest pain, abdominal pain is another indicator of a heart attack. This is usually confused with indigestion or heartburn. Like chest pain, abdominal pain may also spread from the chest to arms, neck and back. The pain of a heart attack is usually accompanied by anxiety, sweating or loss of skin’s colour.

Breathing problems: Shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, weakness, lightheaded and nausea are not always a usual breathing problem, but could be a sign of a heart attack.

Losing consciousness: Losing consciousness and collapsing is another warning sign of a heart attack. A sudden loss of consciousness may stop a heart beat or make it rapid.

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack usually last for about 30 minutes and cannot be treated or relieved by rest or oral medications. Initially, the signs will be mild and thereafter, discomfort’s degree increases. Those with medical condition of blood pressure and diabetes have a heart attack without any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Understanding the warning symptoms of a heart attack may help improve its outcome as immediate treatment can lessen the amount of damage to your heart. It is advised to contact a doctor immediately if you have a suspicion of a heart attack or experience any of the aforementioned symptoms.