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7 Common Symptoms Of A Heart Attack Families Should Know

Heart attacks are a leading cause of death worldwide, and understanding the common symptoms can be crucial in saving lives. Early detection and prompt medical attention can significantly increase the chances of survival and recovery. This article will delve into the seven common heart attack symptoms that families should be aware of, helping them to act quickly and effectively in an emergency.

Introduction

Heart disease is a silent killer that often strikes without warning. The ability to recognize the early signs of a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death. This article aims to educate families on the seven common heart attack symptoms, providing them with the knowledge to respond promptly and seek medical help. By understanding these symptoms, families can be better prepared to support their loved ones in crisis.

1. Chest pain or discomfort

The most common and well-known symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. This sensation often feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. It can last for more than a few minutes or go away and come back. While chest pain is a classic sign, not all heart attacks involve severe chest pain. Some individuals, especially women, may experience more subtle symptoms.

2. Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can occur with or without chest pain and is a significant indicator of a heart attack. This symptom may present itself during physical activity or while resting. It occurs because the heart is not pumping blood efficiently, leading to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. If someone experiences unexplained shortness of breath, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

3. Nausea, indigestion, or abdominal pain

Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain can also be symptoms of a heart attack. These signs are often overlooked as they can be mistaken for gastrointestinal issues. However, if these symptoms are persistent or severe, especially when accompanied by other signs like chest pain or shortness of breath, they should not be ignored.

4. Pain in the arm, neck, jaw, or back

Pain or discomfort in other upper body areas, such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back, can indicate a heart attack. This pain might start in the chest, spread to these areas, or occur independently. The pain is often described as radiating or spreading and may come and go.

5. Cold sweat

Breaking out in a cold sweat is another common symptom of a heart attack. This type of sweating is often described as clammy and differs from sweating due to physical exertion or heat. It can respond to the body's stress and the heart's struggle to pump blood efficiently. If someone experiences an unexplained cold sweat, especially with other symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help immediately.

6. Fatigue

Unusual fatigue is a symptom that is more common in women than men when it comes to heart attacks. This extreme tiredness can occur days or even weeks before a heart attack. It is often described as feeling overwhelmingly exhausted without an apparent reason. If someone experiences this type of fatigue, it is essential to take it seriously and consult a healthcare professional.

7. Lightheadedness or dizziness

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy can also be a symptom of a heart attack. This sensation might be accompanied by a feeling of fainting or passing out. It occurs due to a drop in blood pressure caused by the heart's inability to pump blood effectively. If someone suddenly feels dizzy or lightheaded, especially with other symptoms, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention.

Recognizing and responding to heart attack symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack is vital for prompt and effective response. The seven common symptoms discussed—chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea or indigestion, pain in the arm, neck, jaw, or back, cold sweat, fatigue, and lightheadedness—can help families identify a potential heart attack and act swiftly. By being aware of these signs, families can support their loved ones better and potentially save lives.

Understanding these symptoms is just the first step. It's equally important to maintain regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, and lead a heart-healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking. In case of any doubt, it is always better to err on caution and seek medical advice immediately.

Knowing heart attack symptoms empowers families to be vigilant and proactive, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for those at risk. Stay informed, stay prepared, and take heart health seriously to protect your loved ones.

This story was created using AI technology.

This Is The Early Heart Attack Symptom That's Missed The Most Often, According To Cardiologists

When you think of a person having a heart attack, you most likely picture them falling to the floor clutching their chest. Because of this, many people don't realize that there are a handful of other symptoms associated with heart attacks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States. Because of this, not knowing all the signs is particularly dangerous.

With that in mind, Parade spoke with cardiologists to find out what the most commonly missed early heart attack symptom is—and other top symptoms to watch out for.

The Most Commonly-Missed Early Heart Attack Symptom

According to Dr. Estelle Jean, MD, a cardiologist with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center in Montgomery County, Maryland, the most commonly missed heart attack symptom is shortness of breath. Because shortness of breath can be attributed to many things, if it's occurring without chest pain, people don't tend to think it means they're having a heart attack. "Shortness of breath is a commonly missed early symptom of a heart attack, and it can occur with or without chest discomfort," she explains.

Dr. Max Brock, MD, a cardiologist at Cook, echoes this. "Trouble breathing, or 'dyspnea' in medical lingo, can be caused by many things, but sometimes it is the only sign of a heart attack for some patients," he says.

Related: This Is the Most Commonly Missed Early Cancer Symptom

Other Commonly-Missed Heart Attack Symptoms

Dr. Brock says you should also watch out for chest pressure, even if it isn't accompanied by pain. "As many people are aware, chest discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack, but people tend to think that has to mean pain specifically where your heart is, on the left side of your chest," he says. "Chest pressure, a crushing sensation or tightness in the chest, and upper abdominal pain are also some of the many ways patients describe their heart attack. Do not wait around for left-sided chest pain!"

Dr. Jean adds that other heart attack symptoms include pain in the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, back and stomach. "People may also experience nausea or vomiting, heartburn, dizziness, sweating, palpitations and fatigue when having a heart attack."

Related: Here's What Your Resting Heart Rate Can Really Tell You About Your Heart Health

How To Prevent a Heart Attack

While it's important to take as many preventative measures as possible, Dr. Jean says understanding the signs of a heart attack is crucial. "Know the signs of a heart attack and don't ignore your symptoms. The chances for surviving a heart attack depend on receiving immediate and timely care," she explains, adding that 80 percent of heart attacks can be prevented by taking healthy lifestyle measures. "This includes maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, sleeping seven to nine hours at night and managing your stress," she says. "And don't forget to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider to assess your risk for heart disease, and to learn about your personal health numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)."

Related: What To Know About the Connection Between Blood Sugar and Heart Disease

Dr. Brock emphasizes the importance of movement. "Staying active is so important for your heart, as it is for many of your other organs," he explains. "You don't need to go out and sprint or bike long distances. Moderate exercise is sufficient—and when I say moderate, I tell my patients this is the type of exertion where it is harder to hold a long conversation with your exercise partner, but you are still able to talk in shorter sentences. It's the type of exercise where you break into a sweat by the end!"

While heart disease is scary, there's a lot you can do to prevent it—and catch it early enough to not put your life at risk.

Next up: 'I'm an Oncologist, and This Is the Breakfast I Eat Every Day for Cancer Prevention' 

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Video Shows Nurses Rush To Save Long Island Man Who Collapsed From Heart Attack At ATM

At 83 years old, Daniel Greco says he feels like he's been given a second chance. The Long Island man returned to the place where he collapsed back in April but he remembers very little.

"Absolutely nothing. I see it and I still don't believe it. I don't have a heart condition and had no heart problems," Greco told NBC New York Thursday.

Heart problems he wasn't aware of — he even had gotten a clean bill of health from his doctors. Then on April 30, while standing at an ATM in Melville, he suddenly crashed to the floor. 

Greco watched the security video from that day. He was standing in front of the ATM when he suddenly crashed to the floor. A woman with her son saw him on the floor and she runs for help.

"To this day I still see Mr. Greco, something I will carry with me forever," said Kalie Kerschbaumer, a process improvement engineer at Northwell NetworkCare.

Even though Greco, of Lake Grove, was having a heart attack and going into cardiac arrest, he was fortunate that there was an office full of nurse practitioners across the hall from the ATM. 

"We hear Kali call for help we go out there. We see a man on the floor. He's lifeless and immediately your instincts kick in," said Samantha Meguluevich, a nurse practitioner.

Luckily the office had an AED which they used. The nurses took turns doing compressions and they were able to revive him before the ambulance arrived 

"He had three arteries that were partially blocked and a severe blockage of one of the valves in his heart," said Dr. Lawrence Ong, an interventional cardiologist at Plainview Hospital.

Greco was rushed to Plainview Hospital and eventually got heart surgery. Doctors also praised the nurses as the immediate CPR helped save his life.

"There is no doubt that his smooth recovery began with an outstanding and efficient CPR resuscitation," said Dr. William Shi, a cardiovascular surgeon at North Shore University Hospital.

Bonnie Greco, Daniel's wife, is thankful he went into cardiac arrest when he did. He had been driving just before he collapsed. Now the couple is looking forward to celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary.

"Like I said, I believe in God. God knew where to put them that day," Bonnie Greco said.

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