Job Hazards

Heart Attack Symptoms

As many as 25 percent of all heart attacks go unnoticed because there aren't any symptoms associated with them. Regardless, whether a heart attack is silent or not, the heart muscle is still damaged. Unfortunately, the lack of signs prior to and during these kinds of attacks keeps the victim from going to get help. Even worse, not seeking immediate assistance may cause further damage and lead to subsequent heart attacks.

People who realize they are having a heart attack usually experience very intense symptoms. Identifying these symptoms and realizing the significance of them is critical. At least 90 percent of fatal heart attacks in people younger than 55 years of age happen outside the hospital, and experts believe this is a result of the victim's inability to recognize the severity of the situation. Younger people are more likely to overlook these symptoms, while someone older is more inclined to dial 911 when they first become aware that something isn't right. The earlier the victim understands they could be in serious danger and undergoes treatment, the better their chances of survival.

Common heart attack symptoms include:

• Chest pain that does not subside after rest and usually shoots through the upper torso into the shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw
• Pressure in the chest region, achiness, or a feeling of internal squeezing that may be persistent or periodic
• Problems catching breath or shallow breathing
• Heart palpitations where the heartbeat is noticeably sped up, pounding, or out of sync
• Unusually weak and/or rapid pulse
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Overtiredness
• Perspiration, typically with intense chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Grey skin tone

The symptoms women experience may differ from those experienced by men. Although females may still have trouble breathing and experience weakness, fatigue, and cold sweats, they may not have chest pain. Instead, they may experience discomfort in the upper abdomen, back, neck, or jaw along with dizziness. Numerous women have described signs such as fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, upset stomach, and nervousness in the time before a heart attack.

Even though one or more of these symptoms may are indicative that a heart attack could be imminent, they could be caused by other health issues as well. However, it is still better to be safe than risk death by not seeking medical health. If you believe you have the symptoms of a heart attack, your heart could be deprived of oxygen-rich blood. You should seek immediate medical attention. Doctors often suggest that people who know they are having a heart attack first contact 911, then chew aspirin (must be regular aspirin, not pain relievers like acetaminophen that do not contain aspirin) and drink a glass of water while waiting for the ambulance.