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Mar 11, 2024 · Heaviness. Palpitations. Shortness of Breath. Burning. Atypical Symptoms. Right Before a Heart Attack. The symptoms that may occur in the month before a heart attack —known as prodromal symptoms—are similar to the symptoms that can occur during a heart attack. These include things like chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations.
- Vanessa Caceres
Aug 28, 2024 · Angina—the technical name for chest tightness—can spread to the jaw or neck. It’s typically triggered by exertion, like walking uphill, or emotional stress, says Dr. William Zoghbi, chair of ...
Symptoms of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack can include: chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest. pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy.
- Overview
- Stages of a heart attack
- In females
- When to see a doctor
- Treatment
- Recovery
- Prevention
- Summary
In some individuals, heart attack symptoms may appear gradually, and in others, they occur suddenly. The symptoms may include chest pain or discomfort, difficulty breathing, and dizziness.
However, it is important to note that not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, results from a blockage in a coronary artery, which carries blood to the heart. This disruption in blood flow can create symptoms and damage the heart muscle.
In this article, we list the symptoms of a heart attack and discuss what to do when symptoms begin.
In some people, heart attack symptoms may appear gradually, and in others, they occur suddenly.
Not everyone will experience all the symptoms of a heart attack, and symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. If a person has already experienced a heart attack in the past, symptoms may appear similarly or differently the next time.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. Was this helpful? The symptoms and phases of a heart attack can present differently in females than in males. Some sources state that females are less likely to experience a feeling of pressure in the chest, for example. Females may even have no chest pain at all. Other sources explain that females may be more likely to experience the following symptoms: •shortness of breath •nausea and vomiting •tiredness •pain, especially in the back, shoulders, or jaw However, according to the British Heart Foundation, females may also be more likely to ignore the symptoms and not seek help as quickly. Anyone who is experiencing possible heart attack symptoms or is unsure of whether they are experiencing symptoms should seek emergency treatment immediately. Find out more about the symptoms of heart attack in females here.
It is vital 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 from a heart attack.
It is important to call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack. The AHA advise that calling an ambulance enables treatment to begin up to 60 minutes sooner than if people arrive at the hospital by car.
People experiencing heart attack symptoms should not attempt to drive themselves.
Immediate treatment
Immediate treatment at the hospital, 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 help dissolve the blockage in the artery Once a person has received a heart attack diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe medications to dissolve blood clots, perform surgery, or both. Doctors can perform a procedure to suction the clot or place a metal tube called a stent to open up the blockage. They will likely also prescribe other medicines to reduce the risk of future heart attacks.
Surgery
Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to improve blood flow to the heart. A surgeon may perform coronary angioplasty or bypass surgery. Coronary angioplasty, which people also refer to as percutaneous intervention, involves opening up 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. Find out more about treatment for different heart attack types here.
Recovery time can vary depending on the treatment and severity of the heart attack.
Some people may return to work and other activities within 2 weeks, but others may need several months to recover. The recovery time also depends on whether the person underwent a procedure, how the surgeon performed it, and whether there were complications.
Most people will recover from a heart attack and lead a full and productive life.
To improve their outlook, people should seek emergency medical treatment for heart attack symptoms. After recovery, they should follow their treatment plan and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle using preventive 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 may include:
•eating a healthy, cardiac-friendly diet
•maintaining a moderate weight
•quitting or avoiding smoking
•getting regular exercise, where possible
A heart attack can cause several symptoms, the most well-known of which is chest pain. 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 each symptom, and the symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. Females, in particular, are less likely to develop certain heart attack symptoms.
Calling 911 is the most important thing a person can do when experiencing heart attack symptoms. Immediate medical attention improves the outlook for those who have a heart attack.
People who feel anxious about their risk should speak with their doctor about techniques to help them manage their symptoms and reduce their level of risk.
- Jayne Leonard
A heart attack is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, you need to call 999 for an ambulance straight away. Causes of a heart attack Most heart attacks are caused by coronary heart disease (CHD). This is when the coronary arteries become narrowed by a gradual build-up of fatty deposits called plaque.
pain that spreads to your left or right arm, or to your neck, jaw, back or stomach. For some people the pain or tightness is severe, while for others it’s uncomfortable. It may feel like heaviness, or a burning pain similar to indigestion. feeling sick, sweaty, light-headed or short of breath.
People also ask
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Learn more about heart attack symptoms in women. 4. Feeling sweaty. Working up a sweat because it's a hot day or you’ve been to the gym is nothing to worry about. However, you should call 999 for an ambulance if you start to feel hot and clammy along with chest pains, as it could be a heart attack. 5. Choking feeling.
