The Signs of a Heart Attack

Everyone needs to know the signs of a heart attack or stroke. When experiencing a heart attack, it is essential to get medical care immediately.

The most common and major symptoms of a heart attack you should be aware of include: 

• Chest discomfort or pain: The most common sign of a heart attack is pain or discomfort in the center or left side of your chest. The pain or discomfort usually lasts a few minutes and can come back. It may feel like squeezing, uncomfortable pressure, or pain. 

• Shortness of breath: Sudden shortness of breath that may come before or with your chest discomfort. This shortness of breath may not be associated with exercise or physical activity. 

• Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder: The pain may be in one arm, shoulder, or both. 

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back. 
• Feeling weak, faint, or light-headed: It is also normal to break out into a cold sweat when feeling weak or light-headed. 

Some people also experience feelings of unexplained tiredness, nausea, or vomiting. If you experience these signs, you need to call 9-1-1 immediately.

Women may experience the common signs of a heart attack listed above. However, women may also experience other symptoms. 

• Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat: These symptoms may be stronger when you are exercising or when you experience emotional stress. 
• Pain in the upper abdomen or back

• Dull and heavy chest pain 
• Flu-like symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea, cold sweats, and light-headedness, may occur before a heart attack and are vital warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore. 

For some women, pain in the chest isn’t the key indicator of heart disease. The symptoms above are a sign that something is wrong with your heart. They are just as serious as the more common symptoms, and you should call 9-1-1 if you experience them. 

Symptoms of a heart attack are not something that you should ignore. If you think you may be experiencing a heart attack, you need to call 9-1-1 immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the less damage your heart muscle will undergo. 

Sometimes, you will need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or an electric shock (defibrillation) to get your heart pumping again. You can survive a heart attack better if you get emergency treatment.

Numerous factors can increase your risk of experiencing a heart attack, such as: 

• Tobacco use
• Drinking too much alcohol regularly
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Eating a diet high in cholesterol, trans fat, and saturated fats
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• Obesity

After a heart attack, it is crucial to take steps to lower your risk of experiencing another heart attack. This can include: 

• Increasing physical activity
• Eating a healthier diet
• Quitting smoking
• Managing stress
• Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation will require a team of professionals to support you. This can include cardiologists, physical therapists, exercise specialists, nutrition specialists, counselors, and even mental health professionals. The team helps you make the lifestyle changes necessary to reduce your risk of another heart attack.

The best thing you can do is to take care of your heart health. At Sydnor Cardiovascular Center, your heart health is our priority. Dr. Lilian Ahiable is an expert cardiologist who can help you protect your heart health and assist with your recovery from a heart attack. 

To schedule an appointment, call us at 727-300-2282 or request an appointment online.