Heart Attack Symptoms: When to Seek Emergency Care
Know the Signs, Save a Life
Heart disease is the most prevalent cause of death globally, claiming countless lives every year. A significant reason for this is the delay in recognising early heart attack symptoms.
Whether you have experienced subtle discomfort or a sharp pain in the chest, understanding what heart attack symptoms are and when to seek immediate help can be life-saving for you and your loved ones.
In this blog, you will get to know what is heart attack and how it occurs, how to identify heart attack symptoms, and how to act fast and seek emergency care during the critical stage.
What Is Heart Attack ?
Heart attack is medically termed as myocardial infarction (MI).
It occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle is interrupted. This usually happens due to a build-up of fat deposits and blood clots within the coronary arteries, interrupting blood flow.
If it is not treated immediately, the heart muscle begins to die, leading to irreversible damage to the heart muscles which can further lead to heart failure or even death
Common Heart Attack Symptoms in Men and Women
The signs and symptoms of MI in females often differ from those in men.
What Are Heart Attack Symptoms in Men?
Men typically exhibit the “classic” symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
- Left side chest ache or pressure, often described as squeezing or tightness
- Pain radiating to the left arm (which arm heart attack pain), shoulder, jaw, or back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating (diaphoresis)
- Dizziness or light-headedness
What Are Heart Attack Symptoms in Women?
Signs of an MI in females may differ significantly and are sometimes more subtle.
The American Heart Association states the general signs of MI in women:
- Unusual fatigue along with weakness
- Shortness of breath, even without chest pain
- Pain in the back, jaw, neck, or stomach
- Chest ache, or burning sensation (often mistaken for indigestion)
- Nausea, cold sweats, and dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
Women are more likely to delay seeking help due to these atypical signs. Being aware of these gender-specific presentations is essential to avoid fatal delays.
Which Side of the Chest Is Heart Attack Pain Usually On?
Heart attack-related chest pain is most often on the left side, but it can occur in the centre (sternum area) or radiate across both sides, especially in women.
Heart attack pain, is typically described as:
- Central or left-sided tightness
- A squeezing or heavy pressure
- Burning, similar to heartburn
- Not relieved by rest or position change
If chest pain spreads to the left shoulder, arm, or jaw and lasts longer than a few minutes, emergency help should be sought immediately.
How Long Do You Have Symptoms Before the Attack?
Symptoms can begin minutes, hours, or even days before the actual event. This early phase, known as the prodromal stage, often includes warning signs such as fatigue, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
In some cases, symptoms appear suddenly, like intense chest pain due to an abrupt blockage.
In others, mild but persistent signs may progress over time depending on the degree of artery blockage and how quickly treatment is received.
Delaying care increases the risk of irreversible heart muscle damage or death.
Silent Heart Attacks: A Hidden Risk
Not all heart attacks present with chest pain. Silent heart attacks, particularly in women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may cause:
- Fatigue
- Light-headedness
- Indigestion or a vague feeling of unease
- Discomfort in the back or neck
These symptoms are often misattributed to less serious conditions. If they feel unusual or persistent, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Quick Facts: What to Remember
- Chest pain is the hallmark sign, but it isn’t always present, especially in women and diabetics.
- Left-sided pain is more common, but central and right-sided pain can also occur.
- Don’t delay; time lost is lost heart muscle.
- Early action can prevent severe damage and even death.
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Your Heart Deserves Immediate Attention
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of a heart attack or ongoing heart issues, do not delay.
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Some MUST-KNOW FAQ's
Heart attack symptoms can be presented as chest pain, pressure, or a squeezing sensation, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back.
Some individuals may experience only mild discomfort, while others may have severe and sudden symptoms.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious medical emergency that happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is interrupted, typically by a clot or plaque in the coronary arteries. This blockage leads to damage or death of the heart tissue if not treated immediately.
Heart attack symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours. While some symptoms may come and go, persistent chest discomfort or pressure that lasts more than 5 minutes is a strong indication of a possible heart attack and requires urgent medical attention.
Heart attack symptoms in women can be different and may not include the classic chest pain. Commonly seen symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, back or jaw pain, and a general sense of unease.
Pain during a heart attack typically radiates to the left arm, but it may also affect the right arm or both arms in some cases.
Pain during a heart attack occurs in the centre or left side of the chest. It is felt as pressure, tightness, squeezing, or a burning sensation. The discomfort may spread to other areas such as the shoulders, neck, jaw, or arms.
Pain during a Heart attack is felt most commonly in the left side of the chest and may radiate to the left arm, jaw, or back.
Warning signs can be felt hours, days, or even weeks before a heart attack, such as fatigue, chest discomfort, or breathlessness. Some may have a sudden onset of symptoms without any prior warning.
Men often present with more “classic” heart attack symptoms, such as left-sided chest, ache, breathlessness, left arm pain, and cold sweats. Rapid action is crucial if any of these signs occur.