Chest pain that stems from a heart attack is not always the crushing, heavy feeling that some people describe - often called the “Hollywood” heart attack. It can actually be quite mild, so don’t ignore any type of chest pain. [5] X Research source “Retrosternal” chest pain is commonly felt. This refers to a pain behind the breastbone, or sternum. It is easy to confuse this pain with abdominal discomfort, like gas. If you have any doubt about this pain, call a doctor. Keep in mind that chest pain is not always present when a heart attack is occurring; in fact, over half of heart attack patients don’t experience chest pain. Don’t rule out the possibility of a heart attack just because you aren’t hurting in that area.
Like other heart attack symptoms, dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting are also signs of other illnesses, so they are easily overlooked. Don’t ignore these symptoms, especially if you are also feeling chest pain. Women tend to have these symptoms more frequently than men, though not all women experience them.
Shortness of breath may be your only heart attack symptom. Do not take it lightly! Particularly if you have not done anything that typically causes shortness of breath, seek emergency medical help if you experience this symptom.
Most angina pain occurs in the chest. However, it may also occur in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back. It may be hard to tell exactly where you’re feeling the pain. [14] X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor. org Family-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source Angina pain usually gets better once you’ve rested for a few minutes. If your chest pain lasts for more than a few minutes or doesn’t improve with rest or angina medication, seek emergency medical assistance. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source Some people experience angina after exercising, and it’s not always a sign of disease or a heart attack. A change in normal patterns is the most important thing to watch for. If you have what you believe to be painful indigestion, you may actually be experiencing angina. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of the pain.
Arrhythmia may also display more serious symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, rapid or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, and chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms with arrhythmia, seek emergency medical assistance. [17] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Although arrhythmia is very common, especially in older adults, it can be a sign of severe medical issues. Do not simply ignore an arrhythmia. Consult with your physician to be sure you do not have a more serious condition. [18] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
Calling 911 (or your emergency services number) will speed up your admittance into the hospital vs. driving to the emergency room yourself. Call an ambulance. Do not drive to the hospital yourself unless you have no other option available. [22] X Research source Treatment for heart attacks is most effective if started within 1 hour of the first appearance of symptoms. [23] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
Loosen any tight clothing, such as shirt collars and belts.
Do not take prescription medication that has not been specifically prescribed for your use by a physician. Taking someone else’s medication could harm you. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Do not take aspirin if you’re allergic or have been told by your doctor not to take aspirin. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Heartburn Feeling bloated or full Burping Acid reflux Stomach pain or “upset stomach” Loss of appetite
The symptoms of GERD usually occur after eating. They get worse if you lie down or bend over, or they may worsen at night.
Mild asthma attacks usually lessen after a few minutes. If you still have difficulty breathing after a few minutes, seek medical assistance.
The symptoms of a panic attack occur very rapidly and usually disappear rapidly as well. If your symptoms do not improve within 10 minutes, seek medical assistance. [34] X Research source Agabegi, S. (2013). Diseases of the Cardiovascular System. In Step-up to medicine (3rd ed. , p. 8). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
People who are older may have different symptoms of heart attack than younger adults. Symptoms to watch for in older individuals include fainting, trouble breathing, nausea, and weakness. Dementia symptoms, such as incomplete memory, erratic or unusual behavior, and impaired reasoning, may be signs of a “silent” heart attack in elderly people. [36] X Research source Domino, F. (n. d. ). In The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed. )
A sedentary lifestyle also increases your risk. [39] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source A diet high in saturated fats increases your risk of coronary artery disease, which may lead to having a heart attack.
High blood pressure High blood cholesterol Family or personal history of heart attack or stroke Diabetes People with diabetes may experience less dramatic heart attack symptoms. Seek medical attention immediately for any suspected symptoms. [42] X Research source Domino, F. (n. d. ). In The 5-minute clinical consult standard 2015 (23rd ed. )
