How to Recognize Common and Uncommon Signs of a Heart Attack
While some heart attack symptoms are widely recognized, others are less commonly known. Understanding these signs is critical for seeking timely help, as early intervention can save lives. In this article we'll look at both common and uncommon signs of a heart attack, and when to seek help.
Common Signs of a Heart Attack
1. Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain is one of the hallmark symptoms of a heart attack. People often describe it as a feeling of intense pressure, tightness or squeezing in the chest. This pain may come and go, and it can radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back. While chest pain is common in men, it can also be experienced by women, though it may present differently.
2. Shortness of Breath
Breathlessness often accompanies chest pain during a heart attack, especially during activity or rest. This symptom may feel like an inability to draw a full breath, and in some cases, it may be the only sign, particularly among women and older adults.
3. Pain in the Upper Body
Heart attack pain isn’t limited to the chest. It can spread to other areas, including the arms (especially the left arm), shoulders, neck, jaw and back. This type of pain may be gradual or come on suddenly, and it often causes confusion as people may misinterpret it as a musculoskeletal problem.
4. Cold Sweats
A sudden onset of cold, clammy sweating is a common sign that often accompanies a heart attack. This is the body’s response to stress and a drop in blood pressure as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
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5. Fatigue
Unusual or extreme fatigue is a lesser-known yet common symptom, especially in women. A person may feel an overwhelming sense of exhaustion and struggle to complete even simple activities, like walking up stairs or performing daily tasks.
Uncommon Signs of a Heart Attack
6. Indigestion or Heartburn
Indigestion and heartburn-like sensations can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack, especially when they come on suddenly and without an obvious cause. Since these symptoms are common with digestive issues, people often overlook them.
7. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are not typical symptoms but can occur during a heart attack, particularly in women. These symptoms may lead to misdiagnoses, such as attributing them to food poisoning, the flu or an upset stomach.
8. Anxiety and Restlessness
A heart attack can sometimes induce a sense of doom or intense anxiety. Restlessness or an inexplicable feeling that “something is wrong” is often overlooked, but it’s worth noting when accompanied by other symptoms.
9. Back Pain
While chest pain is commonly associated with heart attacks, back pain, especially between the shoulder blades, can also be a warning sign. Women are more likely than men to experience back pain, which may be mistaken for muscle strain or stress-related tension.
10. Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or faint can be a sign that the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively. This symptom is often coupled with chest pain and shortness of breath and may lead to actual fainting episodes.
11. Sleep Disturbances
Sudden sleep disruptions, like waking up in the middle of the night due to chest pain or difficulty breathing, can be a subtle sign of heart problems. Persistent insomnia or an inability to sleep comfortably due to pain or restlessness should not be ignored.
12. Pain in the Jaw or Teeth
Pain radiating to the jaw or even the teeth is another unusual symptom that is sometimes reported, especially among women. People might assume it’s a dental issue, but it could indicate a heart attack, especially if it occurs with other symptoms.
13. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet
This symptom, though more common in chronic heart conditions, can also indicate a heart attack. Swelling results from fluid accumulation due to reduced heart function, which can affect blood circulation in the body’s extremities.
When to Seek Medical Help
Heart attack symptoms can be subtle, and people sometimes wait, hoping they’ll go away. However, timely medical help is essential. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent chest pain or discomfort. If you feel intense pressure, tightness or squeezing in your chest that lasts more than a few minutes, seek medical help immediately, even if it subsides and returns.
- Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing is a significant warning sign, especially if it’s new or occurs with minimal exertion.
- Accompanying symptoms. Any combination of chest pain, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness or pain radiating to the arms, neck or back should prompt an emergency call. It’s better to err on the side of caution, as these symptoms can indicate a heart attack.
- Family history and known risk factors. If you have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes, be especially vigilant and seek help at the earliest signs.
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