Heart attacks don’t always happen suddenly; it is common for people to have sings and symptoms for days or even weeks prior. Getting medical help as early as possible is extremely important and can dramatically improve the chances of survival. Here is a list of symptoms that are common of someone who is experiencing or will soon suffer a heart attack:
1. Do not ignore the initial warning symptoms of pain or discomfort in the chest area. This is the most obvious and common of symptoms associated with a heart attack. The discomfort is commonly described as a squeezing or fullness in the middle of the chest, or like one might imagine it would feel like if an elephant were to sit on their chest.
2. Keep in mind that pain in parts of the upper body, other than the chest, may also be symptoms. Parts of the upper body that can be affected include the arms (especially the left arm), stomach, shoulders, jaw, back, or neck. The feeling may be less painful and more of a general discomfort in the area.
3. Acknowledge that being out of breath following physical activity is normal, but if you are having shortness of breath after climbing a flight of stairs, or walking a short distance, or even lying in bed, you needs to see a physician immediately.
4. Beware of cold sweats, nausea, or light-headedness. Sensations of nervousness or anxiety may occur with these symptoms.
5. Pay attention to any increased heart rate. An increased pulse combined with any of the previously mentioned symptoms, may indicate an approaching heart attack. Some people who do have an attack experience the feeling of impending doom prior to actual event.
Remember that time is an issue if you are experiencing one or several of the symptoms listed above. The sooner a person seeks medical attention for symptoms of an impending heart attack, the more likely it is that the person will survive. Do not try to tough it out, or wait and hope that the discomfort that you are feeling will go away. There is never any harm in seeing the doctor, and having her tell you that you are fine. However, if you don’t see a physician, there is a fairly good chance that the heart attack will kill you. Don’t risk it.
