Not all heart attacks begin with the sudden severe crushing chest pain

Not all heart attacks begin with the sudden severe crushing chest pain as shown on TV. Many heart attacks start slowly as mild pain or discomfort. The warning signs aren’t the same for everyone Some people don’t have symptoms at all. These are called silent heart attacks and they are usually experienced by patients who are older, female or diabetic.

Chest Pain or Discomfort?

The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. You will feel discomfort in the center or left side of the chest that often lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. The feeling can be mild or severe. Chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away or changes from its usual pattern (for example, occurs more often or while you’re resting) can be a sign of a heart attack. Heart attack pain sometimes feels like indigestion or heartburn. Yet, all chest pain should be checked by a doctor.

Also watch out for:

• Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or upper part of the stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting, light-headedness, sudden dizziness or breaking out in a cold sweat
• Sleep problems, fatigue (tiredness), or lack of energy

If you’ve already had a heart attack, your symptoms may not be the same for another one. The more signs and symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you’re having a heart attack.

Act Fast

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack can develop suddenly. However, they can also develop gradually over few hours or days. Know the warning signs of a heart attack so you can act fast to get treatment for yourself or someone else. The sooner you get emergency help, the less damage your heart will sustain.

If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack call an ambulance right away. If you’re already a heart patient, call for help if your chest pain doesn’t go away as it usually does when you take medicine. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.

Dr. V. Viswanath, M.D, DM (Cardiology)
Interventional Cardiologist
MIOT Heart Revive Cente