Do you know about the symptoms of a heart attack? Well, most people will think of chest pain. However, in the last couple of decades, scientists have come to know that heart attack symptoms are not clear cut all the time.
Do you know about the symptoms of a heart attack? Well, most people will think of chest pain. However, in the last couple of decades, scientists have come to know that heart attack symptoms are not clear cut all the time.
Some symptoms might appear in different ways and depend on various factors such as if you are a man or a woman, what kind of heart disease you have, and what your present age is.
It is extremely important to go into a bit deep and know about different symptoms that might indicate a heart attack. By getting more information, you will understand when you can help yourself and your loved ones.
Early symptoms of a heart attack
The sooner you may seek help for a heart attack, the better your chances will be for a complete recovery. Regretfully, most people do not want to take help even when they find symptoms of a heart attack early.
However, the doctors are encouraging people to get help when they face early symptoms of a heart attack.
The symptoms of heart attack differ from one person to the other and even from one heart attack to another. The important thing is to trust yourself and understand you know your body better than anyone. If you feel something is wrong, seek emergency care right away.
So, if you are aware of the early symptoms, you can get the necessary treatment soon to prevent heart damage. These early symptoms are the following:
- mild discomfort or pain in the chest that might come and go, which is also known as “stuttering” chest pain
- pain in your jaw, neck, and shoulders
- sweating
- vomiting or nausea
- fainting or lightheadedness
- breathlessness
- the feeling of “impending doom”
- confusion or anxiety
Symptoms of a heart attack in men
You will probably suffer from a heart attack in case you are a man. Also, heart attack symptoms in men are found earlier in life in comparison to women. If you are having a family history of smoking, high pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease or other risk factors, then your chances of having a heart attack are much higher.
Luckily, a lot of research work has been done to know how men’s heart reacts during heart attacks. Some symptoms are the following:
- chest pain or squeezing sensation that might come and go or stay constant
- upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, back, jaw, left shoulder or stomach
- unusual or quick heartbeat
- stomach discomfort that is somewhat like indigestion
- shortness of breath that might make you feel you cannot get sufficient air while taking rest
- dizziness or feeling like you will pass out
- breaking out in cold sweat
Symptoms of a heart attack in women
In recent decades, scientists have realized the fact that heart attack symptoms in women may be quite different men than men. Some symptoms of a heart attack in women include:
- unusual fatigue that may last for several days
- sudden severe fatigue
- disturbance in sleep
- anxiety
- lightheadedness
- shortness of breath
- gas-like pain or indigestion
- upper back, throat pain or shoulder
- jaw pain or pain that may spread to the jaws
- pain or pressure in the center of your chest that can spread to your arm
Heart attack in women who are above 50 years
Women generally pass through significant physical changes when they are above 50 and pass through menopause. During this period of life, the hormone estrogen levels drop that actually protect your heart health. After menopause, the risk of heart attack increases.
Regretfully, women who suffer from a heart attack are less likely to survive than men. So, it becomes much more important to be conscious of your heart health after you may pass through menopause.
Some additional symptoms of a heart attack that woman over 50 might experience include:
- severe chest pain
- discomfort or pain in one or both arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
- sweating
- rapid or abnormal heartbeat
Silent symptoms of a heart attack
A silent heart attack is just like another heart attack, except that it takes place without its usual symptoms. In simple words, you might not even realize you have experienced a heart attack. Silent heart attacks are more common among people who are having diabetes and in those who have had heart attacks in the past. Symptoms that denote a silent heart attack include the following:
- mild discomfort in the chest, jaws or arms that go away after taking rest
- shortness of breath
- increased fatigue
- skin clamminess
- abdominal pain or heartburn
- sleep disturbances
After you may experience a silent heart attack, chances are you will feel more tired than before or find that form of exercise to be more difficult. You need to go for regular physical examinations so that you can improve your heart health. If you are experiencing cardiac risk factors, then it is advised to consult with the doctor about getting the necessary tests done and check for your heart condition.
You need to schedule a regular checkup at your nearest cardiology clinic in London in order to detect the symptoms of a heart attack. This way, you can actually lessen the risks associated with severe heart damage from an attack. This might help to increase your life expectancy and overall well-being.