Heart Attack Symptoms | KIMSHEALTH Nagercoil

Heart Attack Symptoms: Recognising the Early Warning Signs

Heart disease is one of the major causes of death all around the world, and about 85% of these are caused by heart attacks. Although a heart attack may look sudden, the body often gives warning signs earlier. However, many people ignore these signs or misinterpret them as a minor issue. Understanding these signs and recognising them early might help to seek medical attention at the right time.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when the heart doesn’t receive enough blood. This usually happens when the fat (plaque) that has already been deposited in the arteries gets ruptured and clots, blocking the arteries. As a result, the heart receives very little oxygen. If this is not treated immediately, the heart can be affected by irreversible damage. That’s why it is important to acknowledge the signs and symptoms of a heart attack early.

Common Heart Attack Symptoms

The heart attack symptoms may not be the same for everyone. Nevertheless, there are some common ones that shouldn’t be ignored:

Chest Pain: Being the most common symptom, people usually get pain or discomfort at the centre or at the left side of the chest (often like squeezing). Moreover, this feeling might last for several minutes or may come and go.
Spreading Pain: In some people, the pain can spread to the other parts of the body, such as arms (mainly the left side), neck, shoulders, and jaw.
Shortness of Breath: Some people might experience a breathing difficulty even before getting chest pain. This can occur when performing a physical activity or while at rest. Other Warning Signs Here are a few lesser-known heart attack symptoms:
Cold sweats
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Heartburn or bloating
Fatigue or unusual weakness
Light-headedness
Changes in skin colour (pale or grey colour)
Palpitations (fast heartbeats)

Are Symptoms Different in Women?

Many women experience heart attack symptoms similar to men. However, they are more likely to experience non-chest pain symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, cold sweats, and pain in the arm, shoulder or neck.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Certain factors can increase the risk of heart disease and lead to a heart attack. These include the following:

An unhealthy lifestyle (junk foods, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.)
High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Overweight/obesity
Family history of heart disease

When Should You Get Medical Help?

Never ignore the symptoms that suggest a heart attack. Monitor the symptoms mentioned above and consult a doctor (cardiologist), especially when more than one or two occur together. Similarly, the symptoms such as bloating or heartburn are to be taken seriously, especially if they occur together with other symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, cold sweats, etc. They can be mistaken for gas trouble or indigestion. The symptoms such as heart palpitations and chest pain accompanied by vomiting or shortness of breath demand immediate medical attention. Also, people coming under the high-risk category should especially monitor the symptoms closely. Prompt care and treatment are very important to increase the chances of recovery and prevent permanent damage to the heart.