Knowing what the symptoms of a heart attack are when they appear could mean the difference between life and death. According to the American Heart Association, most heart attacks aren’t sudden and severe, rather the symptoms come on slowly and are often less painful than people expect. If there is any suspicion of a heart attack, one should go to the doctor or local emergency room immediately. Too many people wait too long and then it’s too late.
Upper Body Discomfort
One of the most common subtle heart attack symptoms is upper body discomfort. According to MayoClinic.com, upper body discomfort can mean jaw pain, neck pain, pain in the upper back or shoulder, or pain in the upper abdomen. These symptoms can occur alone or together. Any type of upper body discomfort that comes on suddenly should never be ignored.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is an instance of not being able to breathe to full capacity. This could mean it is hard for a person to catch his breath, as if he had been running a long distance. It can also mean the breath will not completely fill or empty the lungs, no matter how hard he breathes in and out. Dizziness or lightheadedness may result.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting is a common symptom of a heart attack. The feeling comes on suddenly and for no other reason. It could hurt in the chest when the person throws up. This symptom will be accompanied with one of the other symptoms of heart attack.
Mock Heartburn
A heart attack can feel identical to severe bouts of heartburn. For someone who has trouble with heartburn, this symptom could be passed up as just another instance of acid reflux. When it is a heart attack instead of heartburn, there will be a feeling of squeezing or tightness in the chest that lasts longer than just a few minutes. The pain will also not ease or go away if antacids are taken.
Sweating
Cedars-Sinai states that a person having a heart attack can break out in a sudden cold and clammy sweat all over the body. The skin will feel wet and sticky to the touch. The palms of the hands and the forehead will be particularly sweaty. The sweat will come on for no reason and can make a person shiver.
Lightheadedness or Dizziness
There are a number of reasons why a person becomes lightheaded during a heart attack. The first reason is lack of oxygen flow to the brain. This will either come from the shortness of breath being experienced or from a blockage in the heart that is not allowing oxygen to move freely as it once was. Another reason is from a rise in blood pressure. This symptom could become so severe that a person loses consciousness.
