Signs of a Heart Attack

Signs of a heart attack  are important for people who have a risk factor for heart disease such as (high cholesterol or blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use or family history) it’s good to know the possible signs. Also, did you know you can have a heart attack and not experience any chest pains?

Heart failure and heart disease don’t show the same signs for everyone, especially women. A heart attack is medically known as a myocardial infarction – when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the heart muscle.

There are many things that can contribute to a heart attack, including age, heredity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption, stress and a sedentary lifestyle. To recognize a sign of heart attack as  soon as possible. So check out the top signs of a heart attack  below.

Sweating:  Sweating more than usual, which is among the main signs of a heart attack , especially if you are not exercising, can be an early warning sign of heart problems. Pumping blood through clogged arteries takes more effort from your heart, so your body will sweat more trying to keep your body temperature down during the extra effort. If you experience cold sweats or clammy skin then you should see your doctor. Night sweats are also a common symptom for women experiencing heart problems.

Chest Pain, Pressure, and Discomfort:  While chest pains occur with every heart attack, they are one of the most recognizable signs of a heart attack , for good reason. Chest tightness is a common sign of a heart attack. People have described this feeling as an elephant is standing on its chest. If you experience chest pain or tightness, call 911 immediately.

Other Full Body Aches:  Pain and tightness can also radiate to other areas of the body. Most people associate one of the  signs of a heart attack  with severe pain in their left arm. It can happen, but the pain can also show up in other places, including:

• upper abdomen
• Shoulder
• Back
• Throat
• teeth or jaw

During a Heart Attack:  If you think you are having any of the signs of a heart attack , you or someone close to you should call 911 immediately. If you have been prescribed cardiac medication and experience heart problems, follow your doctor’s instructions. Even something as simple as taking aspirin can prevent the clot from getting worse. If treatment for the blockage can be given within a couple of hours of the onset of symptoms, the risk of serious damage to the heart is reduced.a

Fatigue and Shortness of Breath:  Exhaustion and shortness of breath are two ways your body tells you it needs rest, but it can also be a sign of heart problems as a response to extra stress on your heart. If you often feel tired or drained for no reason, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

Fatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women and can start months before a heart attack.

Indigestion, Nausea and Vomiting:   People often begin to experience mild indigestion and other gastrointestinal problems before a heart attack. Because heart attacks usually occur in older people, who typically have more indigestion problems, these symptoms are often dismissed as heartburn or another food-related complication. If you normally have an iron stomach, indigestion or heartburn could be a sign that something is up.