Would You Recognize a Heart Attack?

Given how important the heart is to all our bodily functions, it’s hard to imagine you could miss something as major as a heart attack. But, according to the American Heart Association, some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. If you’re not familiar with all the ways a heart attack might be experienced, you could lose valuable time and heart muscle by not seeking care as soon as symptoms appear.

Here's what you need to be alert for:

Common Signs of a Heart Attack

• Chest Discomfort: This is the most common symptom and can manifest as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. The discomfort may last more than a few minutes or go away and return.

• Pain in Other Areas: Discomfort can also radiate to other parts of the upper body, such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

• Shortness of Breath: This may occur with or without chest discomfort and can be a significant indicator of a heart attack.

• Cold Sweats and Nausea: Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness are additional symptoms that may accompany a heart attack.

• Unexplained Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after adequate rest.

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling dizzy or faint, especially when standing up quickly or during exertion, can indicate a heart problem.

• Indigestion or Stomach Discomfort: Symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, or a feeling of fullness can be mistaken for gastrointestinal issues but may indicate a heart attack. 

Symptoms in Women

While chest pain is the most common symptom for both men and women, women may experience additional symptoms that are less typical, such as nausea, vomiting, back or jaw pain, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.

Silent Heart Attacks

Some heart attacks are "silent," meaning they occur without the classic symptoms like chest pain. Instead, individuals may experience symptoms that seem unrelated, such as prolonged fatigue and indigestion.

Recognizing these signs and responding promptly can significantly improve outcomes during a heart attack. If you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack, it is critical to act quickly:

• Call 911 Immediately: This is the fastest way to receive lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services can begin treatment upon arrival and ensure rapid transport to a hospital.

• Take Aspirin if Recommended: Chewing an aspirin can help reduce heart damage by preventing blood clotting, but only take it if advised by a healthcare provider or emergency personnel.

• Do Not Drive Yourself: If possible, have someone else drive you to the hospital or wait for an ambulance.

 Scott Rogge, MD, FACC, is the Medical Director at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Cardiology.