5 Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms You Should Know
Would you know if you or a loved one was having a heart attack if you saw it?
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Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately every 25 seconds, someone in the United States will have a heart attack, and approximately every minute, someone will die of one. Could you be next? What is a heart attack? Would you know you if or your loved one was having a heart attack if you saw it?
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot. If this clot cuts off the blood flow completely, the part of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die.
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Here are 5 heart attack signs and symptoms you should know:
Chest pain
Also known as ‘angina,’ this occurs when the heart is temporarily deprived of oxygen-rich blood most often as a result of a blood clot in the coronary artery. It can feel like chest tightness, fullness, heavy pressure or even a crushing pain. It has also been described as very bad indigestion.
Radiating pain
Pain can radiate to one or both arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. This happens because unlike other nerves in the body, the nerves around the heart can’t pinpoint the exact location causing the pain. The neurotransmitters get confused and tell the brain a different part of the body hurts. This is sometimes called ‘referred pain.’
Shortness of breath
Feeling short of breath happens because the body quickly senses your heart is having problems. As the heart pumps blood through the body, blood must pass through the lungs where oxygen attaches to it. When this doesn’t happen as it should the body senses the lack of oxygen which causes you to feel short of breath.
Anxiety
Something isn’t right and your body knows it. The body’s “fight or flight” response has kicked in, firing nerve cells and releasing chemicals that cause the body to undergo dramatic changes. Your heart rate, blood pressure and rate of breathing increases. Your awareness intensifies and impulses quicken. Your body is reacting to a perceived danger which causes you to feel anxious.
Cold sweats, nausea or feeling light-headed
These are also responses to the heart being stressed. These symptoms stem from the release of “fight or flight” hormones circulating in the body. These sensations are also compounded from any decrease in oxygen rich blood to other parts of the body such as your stomach or brain which may also happen during heart attacks.
If you or someone you know has the any of the signs or symptoms above and believe you may be having a heart attack - DON’T WAIT! Call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.
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Nurse Alice is a nationally board certified Clinical Nurse Specialist and Cardiopulmonary Program Director in Southern California with over 14 years specializing in cardiovascular medicine. She is also an ambassador for the American Heart Association.
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