Heart attack is a major cause of death in the United States. Heart attack does not always occur when a person starts to feel pain in the chest and cannot breathe. Very often symptoms of an upcoming heart attack are misdiagnosed and associated with heartburn, muscle aches, flu or other things unrelated to heart ailments.
Heart attack risk factors: age; high cholesterol; high blood pressure; diabetes; smoking; unhealthy lifestyle; obesity; heredity.
Here are the symptoms that must not be ignored:
- Anxiety. Many people experience such feelings as huge anxiety and nervousness just before a heart attack.
- Chest pains.This is a classic symptom of a heart attack. It may hurt to the left of the central part of the chest under the breastbone. Many describe this pain as “someone sits on your chest.” If you feel an unpleasant burning or pressure in the chest area, you should seek immediate medical attention.Note: chest pain is not always a symptom of a heart attack. If the pain is sharp and stabbing, it may not necessarily related to the heart. If you are not sure, better ask for help, rather than wait. Seconds can save your life.
- Shortness of breath is another common use symptom of an upcoming heart attack. Do you feel as if you ran a marathon and you find it difficult to breathe? You cannot inhale deeply? These can be signs of upcoming heart attack.
- Cold sweat. One more common symptom is cold sweat. Usually people who have had a heart attack, have chest pain, difficulties in breathing and cold sweat.
- Spreading pain. Often the onset of chest pain spreads to the shoulders, arms, elbows, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Hi I am 56 years old and had a heart attack 2 1/2 years ago, I had a stint placed in my heart. I am not experiencing sweating, dizziness with white spots flying in front of my eyes, very emotional at times, I have called my doctor and have an appointment with her tomorrow, I’m wondering if I should wait or go to the doctors now.