A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC states that nearly 785,000 Americans experience their first heart attack annually while around 470,000 have a recurrent heart. This happens when of a section of the cardiac muscle becomes damaged or dies because of not getting enough oxygen through the coronary arteries. These arteries deliver blood to the heart and may become blocked, which reduces the blood flow to the cardiac muscle.
Chest Pain or Discomfort
While not all individuals experience the identical symptoms of a heart attack, there are general signs that need to be heeded. The most common sign of an impending heart attack remains chest pain, which may be intermittent at first, but progressively become severe and constant. Patients may describe as the sensation of pressure, tightness, or a crushing and squeezing discomfort in the middle of the chest. This sign of a heart attack also may present as a burning sensation or discomfort akin to indigestion or heartburn. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NHLBI, angina or chest pain typically seen in those with cardiac disease that manifests during exertion and then disappears may change its pattern; that is, it may manifest during absence of activity or remain constant.
Radiating Pain
In some cases, as explained by the NHLBI, individuals may describe pain that radiates or travels from the chest to other regions of the body, most notably the jaw or face, left arm, neck or stomach. It may feel like a burning or tingling sensation. Back pain also may occur, however it is not the common low back pain that one thinks of usually; this pain is centralized up in the area between the shoulder blades.
Shortness of Breath
In addition to pain, one may experience trouble breathing as well as break out in a cold sweat and feel clammy to touch. The feeling of not being able to breathe or get enough air, especially when inactive, is considered another acute sign of an impending heart attack. According to the NHLBI, this shortness of breath may present with or before the chest pain.
Nausea and Vomiting
In addition to pain and shortness of breath, some patients experience nausea and vomiting, which may accompany the onset of sudden weakness and fatigue. In addition, the cardiovascular effect of reduced circulating oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body, including the brain, may produce symptoms of lightheadedness or fainting. When taken together, various combinations of these symptoms can indicate a heart attack. In such an emergency situation, one should not try to drive to a hospital; rather, immediately call 911 for an ambulance.
