A heart attack – whose technical term is myocardial infarction – can have a range of symptoms, from a feeling of tightness in the chest to pain in your jaw and arm to sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Not every sign of a heart attack is dramatic, but time is of the essence and can make the difference between life and death.
The most important life-saving advice that cardiologists can give is that you learn the signs of a heart attack so you can act quickly. Call 911 immediately if you or your loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Heart Attack Symptoms in Men and Women
Cardiologists have noticed that men and women tend to have differences in their experience of a heart attack. Men report experiencing chest pain and tightness more often than women do, and for many, that alone was their symptom.
Women also usually report a feeling of chest pain and tightness, but they also tend to experience other symptoms that you may not easily associate with a heart attack. These signs can include pain in the neck, jaw, and arm, as well as heart palpitations, nausea, and indigestion.
Respiratory and Cold-Sweat Signs of a Heart Attack
Breaking into a cold sweat for no reason and having shortness of breath can also be symptoms of a heart attack. Sweat can be a preliminary indicator that a heart attack may be coming, especially if you are also exhibiting other symptoms.
Shortness of breath is also indicative of a heart attack, because your heart muscle is losing blood supply and is therefore not processing sufficient oxygen. With delayed reaction, your heart muscle could become permanently damaged or stop working altogether.
Unfamiliar and Unusual Symptoms in the Body
If you are experiencing symptoms such as unusual heart palpitations, sudden indigestion for no reason, or you are feeling cool and clammy – anything that is out of the ordinary – these may be symptoms of a heart attack.
Understand Your Susceptibility
Know your risks for a heart attack, because you are at a greater risk if you:
- Are of increasing age
- Are overweight
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Have high blood pressure (i.e., hypertension)
- Have high cholesterol
- Have diabetes
- Have a family history of heart disease
If You Suspect a Heart Attack, Call for Help Immediately
Someone suffers from a heart attack in the U.S. every 40 seconds on average. If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms listed above, call 911 right away. If it turns out to be something else, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Many people ignore the symptoms, thinking that they simply have indigestion or jaw pain, when they are actually experiencing a heart attack which should be treated by emergency medical care.
If you are looking for a medical team who will be your trusted partner for a lifetime of health and wellness, Hudson MD Group is here for you. We can help you with managing your risk for heart disease, and we look forward to serving you.
