Heart Health – Heart Attack Symptoms

by: Michael A. Loiz, Director of EMS

12038863_l-300x300In our last article, we discussed heart disease prevention. In this article, we’ll discuss heart attack symptoms. Many wait too long before calling 911 during a heart attack. Understanding it’s symptoms can help save your life.

Most heart attacks begin with subtle symptoms — discomfort that often is not described as pain. The chest discomfort may come and go. Don’t be tempted to downplay your symptoms as indigestion or anxiety, especially if you are over 30-years-old.

Don’t try to ‘tough out’ heart attack symptoms. Call 911 for help. If you can’t access emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital.

Heart attack symptoms vary widely. For instance, you may have only minor chest discomfort while someone else has excruciating pain. Here are eight symptoms common with heart attack. Remember, you may experience all or only some of them and in varying levels of intensity:

  • Chest discomfort or pain: This discomfort or pain can feel like a tight ache, pressure, fullness or squeezing in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes. This discomfort may come and go.
  • Upper body pain: Pain or discomfort may spread beyond your chest to your shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth or jaw. You may have upper body pain with no chest discomfort.
  • Stomach pain: Pain may extend downward into your abdominal area and may feel like heartburn.
  • Shortness of breath: You may pant for breath or try to take in deep breaths. This often occurs before you develop chest discomfort or you may not experience any chest discomfort.
  • Anxiety: You may feel a sense of “impending doom,” or feel as if you’re having a panic attack for no apparent reason.
  • Lightheadedness: In addition to chest pressure, you may feel dizzy or feel like you might pass out.
  • Sweating: You may suddenly break into a sweat with cold, clammy skin.
  • Nausea and vomiting: You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

Stratford EMS wants you to think Safety First. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

For more information visit: stratfordems.org