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According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack every year, and 605,000 of that number consists of first-time heart attacks. [1] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women but recognizing early signs and symptoms of a heart attack is key to preventing death and significant physical disability. Approximately 47% of sudden death from a heart attack will happen outside the hospital, indicating that many people may be ignoring the first warning signals their body is sending. [2] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Being able to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack, and then calling your local medical emergency number immediately can help prevent a larger heart event and potentially save a life.
Steps
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Be aware of any chest discomfort or pain. According to a survey done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 92% of people recognized that chest pain was a symptom of a heart attack but only 27% were aware of all the symptoms and knew when to call their local emergency number. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Although chest pain is a common and classic symptom, you may initially believe you are suffering from bad epigastric pain or heartburn. [4] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Chest pain from a heart attack feels like someone is squeezing your chest or an elephant is sitting on your chest - it cannot be relieved with antacids.
- However, in a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that 31% of men and 42% of women did not experience chest pain which is commonly associated with a heart attack. Diabetic patients are also at risk for less classic symptoms of a heart attack. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Health information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Take note of any upper body pain. Pain from a heart attack can spread beyond the chest to the upper shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. In fact, you might not experience pain in your chest at all. [6] X Research source A chronic toothache or upper back pain can be the early signs of a heart attack. [7] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Expect mild symptoms at first. Most heart attacks begin with mild symptoms described below. However, do not be tempted to “tough it out.” Instead, if the symptoms do not disappear within five minutes, call your local emergency number for immediate medical treatment. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
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Assess whether the pain is related to angina - if the person who may be having a heart attack has a history of that condition. Ask if their angina disappear rapidly with treatment - some people with coronary artery disease suffer from angina, or pain in the chest with exertion. This occurs when their heart muscle cannot get enough oxygen to support their current activity. A person suffering from angina may have medication to help open the arteries in the heart and eliminate the pain. If the angina does not disappear rapidly with rest or treatment, it can be a signal of an imminent heart attack. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
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Look for any stomach pain, nausea or vomiting. Pain from a heart attack can be experienced in the stomach. It may feel like heartburn but it is not relieved at all with antacids. You may also experience nausea and vomiting without chest pain or other signs of gastrointestinal flu. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
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Call your local emergency number if you suspect a heart attack. Do not do anything else first. Do not delay in getting medical help - your best chance of a strong recovery with minimal damage to the heart muscle is by getting medical treatment within one hour of symptoms occurring. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- Do not start aspirin therapy on your own - your emergency operator, emergency personnel, or emergency room doctor will determine if taking an aspirin is right for you. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
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Look for atypical symptoms if the sufferer is a woman. Women may experience other atypical or uncommon signs of a heart attack more frequently than men. Some of these include: [13] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
- Sudden onset of weakness
- Body aches
- Overall feeling of illness sometimes described as having the “flu”
- Sleep disturbances
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Be aware of unexpected shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is a symptom of a heart attack that can occur before chest pain. You will feel as if you can’t get enough oxygen into your lungs, or as if you just finished running a race. [14] X Research source
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Watch for lightheadedness, anxiety and sweating. Symptoms of a heart attack can include feeling anxious for no apparent reason. You may experience lightheadedness or cold sweats without chest pain or other symptoms. [15] X Research source
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Be aware of extreme heart pounding. Is your heart pounding in your chest? If your heart feels like it is pounding in your chest, or as though it is racing or you feel palpitations, or it feels as if the rhythm has changed, this is an atypical or uncommon sign of a heart attack. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Understand that there are different types of risk factors for heart disease. There are factors you can change by making changes to your lifestyle choices and there are some that you cannot. When you are aware that the choices that you make increases or decreases your risk of heart disease and of a heart attack, you make better choices. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
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Understand the risk factors for developing heart disease that you cannot change - these are factors that cannot be changed and should be considered when assessing your overall risk of a heart attack. Risk Factors you cannot change include: [18] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Age: Men over 45 and women over 55 have a higher risk of heart attack.
- Family history: If your close blood relatives have had an early heart attack you may be at a higher risk.
- History of autoimmune disease: If you have a history of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus, you are at higher risk of having a heart attack.
- Pre-eclampsia: this is a condition in pregnancy
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Understand the risk factors for developing heart disease that you can change. These risk factors can be lessened by changing your lifestyle - for instance by eliminating negative behaviors or adopting positive ones. These risk factors include: [19] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
- Smoking: smoking is an independent risk factor for sudden cardiac death in people who suffer from coronary artery disease. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease.
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
- Stress and illegal drug use
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Lower your risk of heart attack by striving to stay active every day - go for a brisk walk for 15 minutes after lunch and dinner. Eat a healthy diet low in salt, trans-fats and carbohydrates, high in healthy unsaturated fats and proteins. [20] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
- Stop smoking.
- It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and medication if you are at risk of a heart attack, or if you are recovering from one.
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Expect immediate attention in the Emergency Room. A heart attack is life-threatening and also can respond well to immediate and early treatment protocols. If you or a friend are in the ER with a potential heart attack you will receive immediate attention. [21] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Expect an ECG. An electrocardiogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. This will show the doctor how much muscle may be injured or if you are in the middle of having a heart attack. An injured muscle will not conduct electricity the way that an uninjured muscle will. The electrical activity from the heart is transmitted through electrodes placed on your chest and printed on paper for evaluation. [22] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
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Expect blood testing. When the heart muscle is injured during a heart attack there are specific chemicals released into the bloodstream. Troponin is one chemical that remains in the blood for up to two weeks - giving your doctor a reasonable method of diagnosing whether you recently had a heart attack which might have gone un-diagnosed. [23] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
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Prepare for cardiac catheterization. Your doctor may perform a cardiac catheterization to find out more information about the condition of your heart. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and into your heart. It is often inserted through an artery in the groin area, and is a relatively risk-free procedure. During a cardiac catheterization, your doctor may: [24] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
- X-ray your heart using a contrast dye. This can help your doctor see if there are any narrow or blocked arteries.
- Check the pressure in the chambers of your heart.
- Take blood samples, which can be used to measure the oxygen content in your heart chambers.
- Perform a biopsy.
- Check your heart's ability to pump efficiently.
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Expect a stress test after the event is over. In the weeks following a heart attack you may undergo a stress test to evaluate how the blood vessels in your heart respond to exercise. You’ll be on a treadmill and hooked up to an electrocardiogram machine which measures the electrical activity in the heart. This will help your doctor determine long-term treatment for your condition. [25] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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Tips
- Inform friends and family members of the less common heart attack symptoms to prevent undiagnosed or unaddressed heart attacks.Thanks
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Warnings
- If you experience these symptoms or other symptoms that are not familiar to you, do not wait or try to tough it out. Instead, call your local emergency phone number and get immediate medical treatment. Early treatment will result in better outcomes.Thanks
- Do not move or exert yourself if you believe you are having a heart attack. This can cause more damage to your heart. Ask someone close by to call for emergency help.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
- ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5707a3.htm
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-attack.html
- ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/heart-disease-stroke
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chest-pain
- ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tooth
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack
- ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-attack#signs-symptoms-and-complications
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-attack.html
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16818-heart-attack-myocardial-infarction
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack/aspirin-and-heart-disease
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack/heart-attack-symptoms-in-women
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2019/august/4-silent-heart-attack-signs
- ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/heart-and-vascular-blog/2019/august/4-silent-heart-attack-signs
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-difference-between-panic-attacks-and-heart-attacks/
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/understand-your-risks-to-prevent-a-heart-attack
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/heart-attack.html
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/understand-your-risks-to-prevent-a-heart-attack
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/life-after-a-heart-attack/lifestyle-changes-for-heart-attack-prevention
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/when-chest-pain-strikes-what-to-expect-at-the-emergency-room
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/diagnosis/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/diagnosis/
- ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/cardiac-catheterization
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16984-exercise-stress-test
About This Article
Article Summary
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To know if you've had a heart attack, note whether you're feeling any discomfort or pain in your chest, arms, back, or neck. Chest pain from a heart attack may feel like someone is squeezing your chest and it can't be relieved with antacids. Nausea, vomiting, weakness, shortness of breath, a chronic toothache, and sweating are also common signs of a heart attack. If you're experiencing these symptoms, don't try to tough it out! Call an ambulance or go to an emergency room immediately. For tips from our medical co-author on recognizing atypical symptoms, read on!
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- "The article about the atypical symptoms was very helpful. I am a 52-year-old female with Lupus and high triglyceride levels. I know all those factors can contribute to a heart attack, so I need to be aware of the signs. The entire article was easy to understand. Thank you. " ..." more
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"The article about the atypical symptoms was very helpful. I am a 52-year-old female with Lupus and high triglyceride levels. I know all those factors can contribute to a heart attack, so I need to be aware of the signs. The entire article was easy to understand. Thank you. "
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