Research from the American Heart Association shows that one out of every six deaths in the United States stems from heart disease. An estimated 10.2 million people suffer from angina, also known as chest pain, each year. Angina is often a precursor to a heart attack. Regular occurrences of angina can be an indication of coronary heart disease, which is the No. 1 cause of heart attacks. Many people who suffer from some type of heart disease also have poor circulation, which creates an inability for their heart to properly receive and pump blood to other parts of the body. Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of a heart attack is vital to getting timely treatment to minimize damage and save a life.
Pain Symptoms
Those who have had heart attacks often report radiating pain in the chest, squeezing or sensation of pressure, crushing pain (i.e. feeling like a large weight is on the chest) and discomfort in the chest lasting for several minutes. In some cases, the pain can extend to the shoulder, arm, back or up the neck. You might also experience episodes of pain that come and go or pain in the abdomen.
Respiratory Symptoms
While experiencing chest pain, it can be difficult to breathe. Shortness of breath or difficulty taking deep breaths is common because the chest muscles are contracted, causing pain. Short, choppy breathing is associated with anxiety and can cause lightheadedness, dizziness or feelings of faintness.
Body Symptoms
You might experience cold sweats, which is sweating without an associated fever or rise in body temperature. Chills, nausea or vomiting are also symptoms of heart trouble.
Poor Circulation Symptoms
Poor circulation, also known as peripheral artery disease, is often easy to detect. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling or weakness in the limbs. This is an indication that the arteries are having difficulty circulating blood through the body. Cramping or soreness in the lower extremities is also common.
