Heart attacks can come on very suddenly, with intense chest pain and breathing trouble that leave no doubt that something's wrong. However, the American Heart Association says most heart attacks start slowly, often with mild, vague symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses, such as food poisoning. Recognizing the significance of these symptoms and their possible link to heart attack is vital to ensure you get prompt medical care.
Stomach Pain
This is a common symptom of food poisoning. There are many different bugs that cause the illness, but most produce sharp pains or abdominal cramping. Heart attack symptoms for both men and women produce can produce sharp stomach pain similar to food poisoning symptoms, although the pain is more likely to be a burning sensation that feels like heartburn, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Nausea and Vomiting
In addition to abdominal pains, you may also feel sick to your stomach and even vomit if you are having a heart attack. These symptoms are more likely to occur in women having a heart attack. The Women's Heart Foundation says that 71 percent of women experience flu-like symptoms, sometimes for as long as a month, before their heart attack manifests. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in food poisoning as the body tries to rid itself of the toxin that is making it sick.
Fatigue and Weakness
Food poisoning can make you feel fatigued and weak due to the illness attacking your body and the loss of fluids from the vomiting and diarrhea. Heart attacks can also produce fatigue and weakness, because your heart is not functioning properly and blood flow to your organs and extremities may not be sufficient to function.
Dizziness
With food poisoning, dizziness or light-headedness is usually a sign that you have become dehydrated. This symptom typically will not show up until after you've been ill for a couple of days. Dizziness or light-headedness occurs during a heart attack because of the obstructed blood flow to and from your heart.
