Heart attacks may show signals of chest or upper body pain, but they can also start slowly with mild pain or discomfort, the National Heart Lung Blood Institute (NHLBI) notes. Some people are not sure of what their symptoms mean. People who have had heart attacks in the past may not recognize symptoms because they can be different each time. If you are experiencing symptoms you have never had before, it is best to seek medical attention.
Chest Discomfort
A feeling of discomfort in the chest may last for more than a few minutes. It may go away and then come back. There is sometimes a feeling of pressure or crushing pain in the chest, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). A feeling of tightness or fullness in the chest may also occur. Sometimes a heart attack can feel like a bad case of heartburn. But the feeling usually occurs with other symptoms. Heartburn, a burning sensation in the upper chest that can move up to the throat, usually disappears after a few seconds.
Upper Body Discomfort
Pain may extend into the jaw, one or both arms, shoulder, neck, back or stomach, according to the NHLBI. Chest pain and discomfort are the most common symptoms for men and women. But women are more likely to experience back or jaw pain.
Shortness of Breath
Women are also more likely to experience shortness of breath during a heart attack. But men may experience it as well. The shortness of breath may occur with chest discomfort or before there is any chest discomfort. The feeling will last for more than a couple of seconds.
Fatigue
Overwhelming fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness or fainting may be a sign of a heart attack, the AAFP says. Heart attack victims may break out into a cold sweat, and/or experience dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms for women, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
Confirming Signs
Doctors will use an electrocardiogram to find abnormalities caused by damage to the heart when patients are suspected of having a heart attack. Heart damage markers done through blood tests in the emergency room or intensive care setting can also confirm symptoms. The blood tests can detect abnormal levels of enzymes in the bloodstream so a doctor can diagnose a heart attack, the AHA explains.
