The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions states that over 785,000 people suffer a heart attack each year in the United States. Recognizing symptoms of this condition and seeking immediate treatment is crucial for surviving a heart attack. The American Heart Association advises that not every person experiences classic symptoms of heart attack, like sudden chest or left arm pain. Due to its proximity to the heart, however, pain in the left arm is an extremely common symptom accompanying a heart attack.
Arm Pain
A person may experience pain that moves from the chest to other areas of the body, including the arms. While many people relate left arm pain as a heart attack symptom, a person may experience pain in either arm or both arms. Sudden arm pain may also occur without chest discomfort, notes MayoClinic.com. Sudden, unexplained pain in the left arm, even in the absence of other symptoms, should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out heart attack.
Chest Discomfort
In addition to pain in the arms, a person may experience chest pain or discomfort during a heart attack. The lack of blood flow to the heart causes chest pain that may be present on the left side of the chest, center of the chest or total chest. Pain may feel like a heavy weight pressing down on the chest or as a nagging, sharp or stabbing pain. Obtaining medical attention at the first sign of chest pain may prevent permanent heart damage and death, says the CDC.
Radiating Pain and Discomfort
Pain may radiate to additional areas of the body aside from the arms. A person may experience pain or discomfort in the neck, upper back and shoulders during a heart attack. MedlinePlus states that some people feel pain in the lower jaw and teeth. They go on to warn that a person may experience radiating pain even in the absence of chest pain. Sudden or new body pain should be medically evaluated to check for a heart-related cause.
Additional Symptoms
Additional symptoms of a heart attack may also occur. A person may feel anxious or irritable and have a sense of impending doom. He may develop sweating and shortness of breath. Nausea and indigestion may also occur; a person may feel as if he is experiencing heart burn. Heart palpitations may also develop, which feel as if the heart is beating too fast or irregularly.
