Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Over 800,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack every year. The best treatment for a heart attack is prevention. Diet and exercise are key to prevent heart disease. Early action and intervention is key to treating a heart disease. Do not take these risks lightly, if you have these signs and feel you are at risk for a heart attack act quickly and call 911. And certainly discuss these issues with your health care provider.
Early Symptoms of a Heart Attack
According to old-timey Hollywood, a heart attack is marked by a sudden grasping of the left arm, a look of anguish, and toppling to the ground. However, the signs of a heart attack may be more subtle than that. The CDC estimates that about 1 in 5 heart attacks go unnoticed, doing damage without anyone even knowing about them. It’s critical to educate yourself and pay attention to the warning signs.
1. Chest pain during a heart attack
Chest pain is one of the leading indications of having a cardiac arrest. Chest pain for cardiac issues have been described as a sense of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain that starts in the center of the chest. The pain or discomfort typically lasts more than a few minutes, or it may go away and then return. Often the pain will spread down the arms, to the back, or to the head and neck. However not all those experiencing a heart attack will encounter chest pain.
2. Jaw pain, toothache, headache
The pain of a heart attack is not limited to the chest. It often can start with either arm (though left is more common,) in your jaw, head, or the back. Some people report tooth pain or headache as a symptom of a heart attack. It is possible to have these types of pain without chest pain during a cardiac arrest.
3. Shortness of breath
One of the most common symptoms of a heart attack is a shortness of breath, like when you are gasping for air after being underwater. Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, is medically known as dyspnea. Shortness of breath may occur before or during the chest pain of a cardiac event, and in some cases, it may be associated with other heart health symptoms without any chest pain.
4. Upper back pain
The upper back is another common location for spread of the pain from cardiac issues. Most commonly, back pain that stems from a heart attack is described as occurring between the shoulder blades.
5. Weakness
When your arteries become narrow they don’t allow the blood to circulate properly which means that the muscles are not getting what they need, and this could cause you to fall. If you are experiencing unexplained weakness you should see your doctor.
6. Unusual sweating
Sweating, or perspiration, can accompany a heart attack. Some people have described feeling like they are breaking out in a cold sweat.
7. Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain
Some people have these symptoms during a heart attack. They may even vomit. Women are more likely to report this type of symptom than men are.
Of course, you can have an upset stomach for many reasons that have nothing to do with your heart. It could just be something you ate, after all. But you need to be aware that it can also happen during a heart attack.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
Women are less likely to experience the classic heart attack symptom of chest pain. Instead they are much more likely to experience symptoms that are less noticeable. As a result, women are more likely to have a heart attack without realizing it. Here are the most common symptoms of a heart attack in a woman:
- anxiety
- shortness of breath
- unusual fatigue or weakness
- nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach
- pain in back or shoulder
If you have any of these symptoms, its important to follow up immediately. Seek medical help and determine if these symptoms are caused by a heart attack.
Heart Attack Prevention
As a leading cause of death prevention is the best wat to treat heart disease. Eating a heart healthy diet and exercising regularly are two key ways to prevent a heart attack. Fewer processed foods and foods high in saturated fats, while adding in plenty of fruits and vegetables and healthy fats, like salmon and olive oil, helps support healthy heart function. Similarly, exercising for about 150 minutes per week, or 30 minutes 5 days a week, can strengthen your heart and boos metabolic wellness.
It’s important to know what a heart attack can feel like. These symptoms should be taken seriously and addressed by a medical professional. Heart attacks can go unnoticed and cause lasting damage. Knowing the symptoms can protect your heart and health.
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