Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Symptoms of a Heart Attack – The symptoms of a heart attack aren’t always as obvious as you think. Learn how to spot the signs, and what to do in case of an emergency.
Expert: Holly S. Andersen, MD Dir. of Education & Outreach; The Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute »
Transcript
“Remember the scene in the movie “Something’s Gotta Give” when Jack Nicholson’s character Harry Sanborn has a heart attack? Drenched in sweat, he falls to the ground gripping his chest, garbling the words “It feels like an elephant is sitting on my chest.”
Well, for some people a heart attack DOES feel like the most intense cramp of their life. Or it can cause pain that SPREADS from the chest through the upper abdomen, shoulders, arms, neck and jaw. For others, it also triggers increased heart rate, light-headedness, anxiety, sweating, flushing of the skin, nausea or shortness of breath. But some people say it simply feels like their arm or shoulder fell asleep. And sometimes it’s even more subtle and can even be overlooked.
Whatever symptoms of a heart attack a person experiences, and they are highly individual, sometimes, they go away and then return. And sometimes they persist for 30 minutes or longer.
It’s also important to point out that heart attack symptoms can differ between men and women. While men often experience a tight band of pain in the chest, women often don’t experience chest pain at all, instead becoming breathless or having indigestion-type discomfort. And some women can even experience symptoms such as indigestion, sleep disturbances, fatigue, anxiety and weakness in the arms, as long as a month or more BEFORE having an actual heart attack.
There is even a symptom-less “”silent”” heart attack, which is basically unnoticeable while it is happening. The signs might happen as a result of interrupted blood flow from the attack itself, which can trigger lightheadedness, nausea, and may damage the heart muscle. This form of attack can happen to almost anyone, though it’s more common in people who have diabetes.
In the event that you, or someone you are with, experience a heart attack, make sure you call 9-1-1 immediately and if possible give them an aspirin to prevent a blood clot. In the meantime, if the person is not breathing or has no pulse, administer CPR until help arrives.
Last Modified: 2013-05-21
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
