The Mayo Clinic warns that signs and symptoms of a heart attack can be mild and intermittent. The symptoms can be as vague as feeling anxious and last no longer than a few minutes. Donna D. Ignatavicius, MS RN, and M. Linda Workman, Ph.D, explain in the 2006 edition of "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care" textbook that sometimes the only symptom is a loss of consciousness from a heart attack-induced lethal heart rhythm.
Chest Discomfort
The American Heart Association explains that the symptom of chest discomfort can be described in many ways. For example, a person may feel chest pressure or tightness, or a squeezing sensation like a band around the chest. Chest discomfort may be described as sharp and stabbing, or as an intense ache in the center of your chest. The pain or discomfort may come and go. It may occur during exertion and disappear with rest. Such symptoms should not be ignored. See a doctor to rule out a heart attack.
Upper Body Discomfort
The typical symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. However, pain between the shoulder blades or in one or both arms, neck pain, jaw pain, or abdominal pain can all be signs of a heart attack.
Difficulty Breathing
During a heart attack, a person might feel short of breath. It may feel like you can't take in a complete breath; this is called air hunger. Resting will not necessarily relieve this symptom.
Indigestion
Indigestion can cause pain and pressure in the chest, usually behind the breast bone. The cause of indigestion should be determined by a physician to rule out heart disease. If a person has a history of esophagitis from acid reflux, they should seek medical care if the symptoms are unrelieved by usual treatments, or are accompanied by any of the other symptoms listed here.
Nausea
A heart attack may cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms usually accompany others such as indigestion, sweating, shortness of breath or chest pain.
Sweating
Breaking out in a cold sweat can be a sign of heart attack. As subtle as this symptom is, it is often ignored. You should seek medical care, especially if you feel anxious, nauseous, or faint along with this symptom.
Anxiety
A person having a heart attack may feel anxious for no known reason. He may have a sense of impending doom or feel like he is having a panic attack.
Feeling Faint
Passing out, or feeling like you might, may be a symptom of heart attack. This symptom should always be evaluated by a doctor.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: "Heart Attack Symptoms: Know What Signals a Medical Emergency"
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing - Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care"; Donna D. Ignatavicius MS RN, & M. Linda Workman Ph.D; 2006
- American Heart Association: "Heart Attack Symptoms and Warning Signs"
