Heart Attack Symptoms Explained: Top 5 Signs You Should Never Ignore
Can you know if there’s something wrong with your heart? Unfortunately, many heart problems do not have apparent warning symptoms. So, there won’t all be intense chest pain followed by a hard fall to the floor, as witnessed in the movies. The best cardiologists in India point out that not all symptoms arise in the chest. Hence, knowing what’s happening inside the body is not always easy. But it always helps to get examined.
It is quintessential for
- Older adults above 60
- People with diabetes
- Those with high blood pressure
- Anyone with high cholesterol
- Obese or overweight individuals
Naturally, the more the risk factors, the greater the risk of developing a heart-related disorder.
The best cardiologists in Hyderabad have compiled a list of the top five warning signs of heart attack that must never be ignored.
Let us discuss them.
Chest Discomfort
It is a giveaway sign of danger.
People experience pressure, tightness of pain in the chest when
- They have a blocked artery
- Experiencing a heart attack
The best cardiologists in India state that every patient who comes to them defines this feeling differently.
You may feel
- Burning or a pinching sensation
- A heavy object laid on your heart
Usually, this feeling lasts longer than a few minutes. The pain or discomfort may arise while in motion, performing a physical activity, or at rest.
Note:
A. It is probably not your heart if
- The pain is very brief
- A spot hurts more upon pushing or touching it.
Regardless, never ignore any pain and get it examined by your doctor. Call an ambulance if the symptoms are severe or do not go away in a few minutes.
B. Sometimes people can have heart issues, even a heart attack sans any chest pain. It mainly happens with women.
Shortness of Breath
It may be
- A change in the regular breathing pattern
- Difficulty in taking a deep breath
- Getting wound up more quickly when walking up the stairs.
- Running out of breath during exercise
As per the best cardiologists in Hyderabad, your heart is probably not working efficiently if:
- You wake up in the night, trying to catch your breath.
- You experience trouble breathing as you lie down.
Note: Shortness of breath may be related to many different heart conditions
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Aortic valve disease
- Mitral valve disease
Stomach Pain Like Indigestion
A burning or painful feeling in the stomach or the chest can also signal a heart attack. Sometimes, it may hint at another heart-related issue. Women are more susceptible to experiencing this symptom. Of course, an upset stomach may be for many different, less severe reasons, but it can also happen during a heart attack. It occurs because the gullet and the stomach lie next to each other. Thus, when you experience indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain, let a doctor know, especially if you are at risk of heart problems.
Note: Take stomach pain and indigestion more seriously if you have other symptoms on this list.
Choking Feeling
Sometimes angina may cause
- Pain in the throat
- Tightness in the chest
It is often referred to as a choking or a restricting sensation.
Call for an ambulance if
- The feeling does not resolve in a few minutes.
- You experience trouble breathing
- Experiencing other signs of a heart attack, such as feeling sick or chest pain
Note: Angina comes from a Latin word meaning choking
Dizziness, Lightheadedness, and Other Pain
Nerve fibers in the jaw and arm run along with the cardiac nerve fibers to the brain. Hence, a heart attack may induce pain in these areas, as the brain confuses the pain signal from the heart.
Sometimes, the pain occurs in other body parts as it radiates from the heart.
Commonly affected areas include
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Jaw
- Arms
- Stomach
Other warning signs include
- Lightheadedness
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Dizziness
Note: The following symptoms are more prevalent in women than men
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Pain in the back or abdomen
- Pain in the throat or neck
- Pain in the jaw
Bottom Line
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms indicative of a heart attack, such as
- Shortness of breath
- Radiating discomfort
- Chest pain
Visiting the best cardiologists in India will ensure you receive superior care. For those in Hyderabad, consult Dr. Raghu, an ace heart specialist. He has the experience and advanced tools to effectively offer comprehensive treatment options and address heart attacks. Prompt intervention can dramatically improve outcomes and lower the probability of complications.