Luckily, with the advancement of medicine, most people survive heart attacks. However, they should not be taken lightly. A heart attack, no matter how small, will always decrease the heart's capability and increase the chance of having another heart attack. Heart attacks remain a big threat to the public, with more than 1 million Americans suffering from the condition yearly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who may hesitate to get help when they experience symptoms should know the first signs that may indicate that a heart attack is in progress and get immediate treatment.
Occurrences of Chest Pain and Pressure
Probably the most recognizable and common sign of a heart attack is a feeling of pressure or pain in the center of the chest. This feeling is rarely as intense as depicted by television and movies, but rather, comes and goes in a slow but increasing cycle. These symptoms, much like most other symptoms of a heart attack, last typically longer than 20 minutes, states "The New York Times" Health Guide. It is quite common for this type of pain to exhibit elsewhere, in places like the shoulders, the arms, the back, and even the jaws and the teeth.
Abdominal Pain
Although experiencing abdominal pain is much rarer than episodes of chest pain, it can still be a sign of an impending heart attack. Pain located in this area is most commonly situated in the upper abdominals, explains Abdopain.com and may feel like a "heartburn" pain. This type of pain can sometimes be accompanied by chest pain.
Anxiety and Weakness
A general feeling of anxiety or weakness often accompanies a heart attack, reports Healthline.com. Symptoms of a heart attack often feel debilitating, not to mention stressful. It's no surprise that anxiety and feeling weak are often reported as symptoms of a heart attack .
Shortness of Breath
A feeling of not being able to breathe well often occurs alongside chest pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who have undergone heart attacks often compare the sensation to having a huge rubber band squeeze their upper body.
Nausea and Vomiting
Feeling lightheaded or nauseous during a heart attack is quite common. A heart attack is a condition where parts of the body do not receive enough oxygen to function properly. In some patients, this manifests as a feeling of malaise or nausea. The feeling can be so severe as to cause vomiting or even fainting, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Sweating
Sometimes, individuals who have heart attacks experience sweating even if they have not partaken in any rigorous exercise. This type of sweating can be quite extreme, and coupled with pain or other symptoms, can cause severe anxiety, states Healthline.com.
Fainting
Although fainting as a result of a heart attack is fairly rare, it can occur in more severe cases, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This is one of the reasons medical professionals recommend that a person undergoing a heart attack never drive himself, but have someone drive for him, or preferably, take an ambulance to the nearest emergency room.
