FYI -
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
•Chest Discomfort- chest pain is the most recognizable of heart attack symptoms. This pain can range from mild to severe and is often described as tightness, squeezing or pressure in the center of the chest. Generally, the discomfort will last several minutes but it may come and go.
•Breathing Issues- Panting for breath or struggling to breathe are classic signs of a heart attack. This symptom is commonly followed by chest discomfort, but not always. Most heart attack symptoms can occur independently of the others. Shortness of breath preceding a heart attack is a symptom more commonly seen in women than men.
•Upper Body Pain- the hallmark symptom of a heart attack is radiating pain down the left arm. However, did you know that pain in other areas of the upper body can also be a sign? Pain in your shoulders, neck, back or even the jaw can be heart attack related and again these signs can occur independently of chest pain.
•Cold Sweat- sudden cold sweats is a much-reported symptom, however cold, pale and clammy skin should not be overlooked either.
•Nausea- vomiting and nausea
•Anxiety- a panic attack or sense of impending doom can be a heart attack symptom. This is one reason each of these disorders is often misdiagnosed.
•Dizziness
•Stomach Pain- not a symptom most people commonly associate with the signs of a heart attack, but not uncommon.
Men and Women
Would you be surprised to learn that the signs of heart attack can differ between men and women. A recent study on early heart attack symptoms in women revealed that 43% had no acute chest pain preceding the attack. Unfortunately, this is still the main symptom emergency room doctors look for when it comes to a heart attack.
Symptoms in Women:
•Fatigue
•Shortness of breath
•Weakness
•Lower chest discomfort
•Back pain
•Nausea and dizziness