Heart attacks are a leading cause of mortality in the United States and constitute a majority of visits to physicians and emergency rooms. Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions (MIs), occur when areas of cardiac muscle die secondary to a lack of oxygen. This usually occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel, or when fatty deposits on the wall of blood vessel narrow the passageways leading to the cardiac muscle. Familiarizing yourself with the common signs and symptoms of heart attacks can save you valuable time and improve your overall outcome if the proper medical care is reached in time.
Pain
Classically, chest pain associated with heart attacks is describes as a steadily worsening pressure over the center of the chest, sometimes left sided and increasingly severe in intensity. There may also be pain elsewhere, particularly in the left shoulder, upper arm, neck and jaw. This sensation is due to the death of heart muscle as it is being cut off from its oxygen supply during a heart attack. Radiation of this pain to other surrounding areas is due the nerves wired to innervate the structures in the chest.
Shortness of Breath/Lightheadedness
Death of cardiac muscle decreases how effectively your heart can pump blood which supplies oxygen to your body's tissues. Breathing faster is one way your body tries to increase the amount of oxygen it can deliver to organs every time your heart beats. During times of diminished oxygen delivery, blood is preferentially sent to the brain in order to preserve it. However, brain tissue is very sensitive to oxygen levels. Feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness signify that the amount of oxygen reaching your brain has decreased.
Nausea
Heart attacks, particularly those affecting the lower wall of the heart, tend to cause abdominal symptoms such as pain and nausea. This is due to the proximity of the dying heart muscle to structures such as the esophagus and stomach. Nausea is a finding particularly prominent in women having heart attacks.
