Home > Blogs > Cardiology > Heart Attack Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Heart Attack Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Heart attacks and chest pains are the two most common symptoms of heart disease that spring to mind. However, the heart may generate far more muted signals that are easily ignored or misinterpreted for less significant issues. These mild symptoms may be of your heart asking for assistance before something more serious goes wrong. However, you can prevent significant problems and maintain the health of your heart by heeding these signals and scheduling regular exams. The heart gives out silent signals that we cannot detect, and these unattended signals result in major fatal heart attacks.

For optimal function, your heart requires a steady flow of blood. Usually, blood channels known as coronary arteries supply this. When a coronary artery suddenly shuts, the cardiac muscle cannot receive oxygen, resulting in Angina (also known as a “myocardial infarction”). A heart attack is a severe medical emergency because, in the absence of oxygen, heart muscle starts to die, and damage to the heart may become irreversible.

An artery that provides the heart with blood and oxygen gets jammed, leading to a heart attack. Over time, deposits of fat and cholesterol gather in the heart’s arteries and form plaques. If a plaque breaks, a blood clot could occur. An artery obstruction from the clot may result in a heart attack. A heart attack results in the death of cardiac muscle tissue due to a drop in blood supply.

A heart attack, in more technical language, can be termed a myocardial infarction.

Heart attack symptoms are variable when it comes to gender. Heart attack symptoms may also vary when it comes to age. If you are 65 and older, you might experience the symptoms in advance. Also, men and women both experience symptoms that may be similar.

Cramps in the Chest:- The ache in the chest may arise and subside, accompanied by aching, squeezing, tightness, pressure, or other sensations.

Upper back stiffness:- Pain or discomfort can affect the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, and even the upper abdomen.

Restlessness:- You might try to inhale profoundly or gulp for air.

Severe dizziness or fainting:- You can have lightheadedness or a fainting sensation.

Sweating:- You may suddenly burst into a sweat with cold, clammy skin

Breathlessness:- Feeling short of breath and generally unwell

Discomfort:- Sensation of pain in your arms

Heart Ache:- Chest pain that occasionally mimics tightness, burning, or trapped wind

Dyspepsia:- Pain in the stomach area

Sore feeling:- Pressure or soreness in the upper back

Compared to men, women feel more vague symptoms. Sharp pains and uneasiness can be extreme for women. Older people feel very little pain, so they might neglect the symptoms. In any case, heart attack symptoms are not to be ignored.

A mini heart attack, or NSTEMI, is characterized by a partial arterial blockage. As a result, compared to when the blockage is fully formed, the heart may sustain less damage. Compared to other heart attack types, the outcome is frequently better, but the condition is nonetheless critical.

Mini heart attack has symptoms that are comparable to those of a heart attack. Radiating discomfort and pressure-like chest pain are examples of symptoms.

A minor heart attack is still a medical emergency, even though it might not do as much harm. Individuals ought to seek emergency healthcare if they exhibit heart attack symptoms. No matter how severe a heart attack is, it is always preferable to move forward with caution.

An NSTEMI heart attack can have symptoms that resemble those of a typical heart attack. They may consist of:

• Chest ache that feels pressure-like and lasts longer than ten minutes
• Pain that reaches either arm, neck, or jaw
• Fainting 
• Fatigue 
• Sweating

Abrupt breathing may also strike a person without any other symptoms. Furthermore, unusual symptoms could appear in:

• females
• individuals over 75 years older
• people suffering from diseases including diabetes, dementia, and renal insufficiency

These signs could consist of:

• abdominal ache,
• indigestion, 
• stabbing pain

In addition, women are more inclined than men to have uncommon symptoms like the following:

• breathing difficulties, 
• vomiting, 
• nauseous

If you suspect someone might have a heart attack and are unconscious, dial the appropriate local emergency number first. Following that, see if there is a pulse and that the person is breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR in easy language, should only be started if the patient is not breathing or if there is no pulse. 

Perform hands-on CPR if you lack the necessary training. That requires applying force and speed to the patient’s chest, typically between 100 and 120 compressions per minute.

If you have received CPR training and feel capable, perform 30 chest compressions before providing two rescue breaths.

Heart attacks are often depicted in movies and TV shows as intense, life-threatening events, but the reality is quite different. Many people experience very few or subtle symptoms in the days or weeks leading up to a heart attack, which can be easily ignored. These symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, or a little discomfort in the chest that isn’t necessarily painful. Recognizing these warning signs is crucial for early diagnosis, as looking after them can significantly reduce the risk of a more severe heart attack. Awareness and immediate medical attention are essential for improving outcomes.

Many encounter warning signs that appear hours, days, or even weeks ahead of time. An early warning sign of a heart attack could be prolonged chest pain or pressure that does not go away with rest. 

Even if heart attack symptoms don’t appear risky, you shouldn’t ever ignore them.

Sahyadri Hospitals is one of the leading healthcare networks in Maharashtra, providing exceptional medical services through skilled professionals and state-of-the-art technology. Committed to patient-centred care and affordability, they offer a comprehensive range of specialized treatments and routine healthcare options, ensuring tailored solutions for every patient. For more details, visit Sahyadri Hospital.

• What are the common symptoms of a heart attack?

Common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and pain in the arms, back, neck, or jaw.

• How can I differentiate between heartburn and heart attack symptoms?

Differentiating between heartburn and heart attack symptoms can be challenging. Still, heartburn typically presents as a burning sensation in the chest and is often relieved by antacids, while heart attack symptoms are usually more intense and accompanied by other symptoms.

• Are heart attack symptoms the same for men and women?

Heart attack symptoms are not the same for men and women; women may experience more atypical symptoms like fatigue, indigestion, and dizziness.

• What should I do if I experience sudden chest pain?

If you experience sudden chest pain, call emergency services immediately, as it may indicate a heart attack.

•  Can heart attack symptoms occur without chest pain?

Yes, heart attack symptoms can occur without chest pain; symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness can also indicate a heart attack.