Did you know that you could have warning signs of a heart attack a month or more before it happens? While some heart attacks can present as sudden and intense events, other times they are more gradual, and our bodies can give us subtle clues weeks or more in advance. Unfortunately, many of us are not aware of the signs and symptoms.
Remember that the longer you wait to seek treatment after symptoms begin, the greater your risk of significant damage to the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure, dangerous arrhythmias or even death. Now is the perfect time to review the symptoms of a heart attack — before it happens.
1. Chest Discomfort or Heaviness
Whether the onset of a heart attack is gradual or sudden, chest discomfort is one of the primary signs. It can feel like radiating chest pain, although it often presents as more of a dull, heavy pressure that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or upper abdomen.
2. Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are a feeling that your heart is fluttering, racing, pounding or skipping a beat. While palpitations are common and normal, particularly during times of stress, calmness or exertion, it is important not to brush off this symptom, particularly if you notice a change. In addition to being a warning sign of a heart attack, heart palpitations can also be a sign of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm condition that can increase the risk of stroke.
3. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can occur when your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Your body responds by breathing faster in an effort to provide more oxygen for your body. Shortness of breath can be normal during heavy exertion, but increasing shortness of breath on minimal exertion or at rest is a concern.
4. Lightheadedness or Dizziness
When combined with shortness of breath or chest discomfort, lightheadedness or dizziness can signal a drop in blood pressure or decreased blood flow to the brain.
5. Cold Sweats or Sweating Excessively
Your heart has to work harder to pump blood through clogged arteries, so your body may start to sweat more to try and keep your body temperature down during the extra exertion. Cold sweats can also be due to your body's “fight or flight” response that activates in times of stress. This can happen suddenly when a heart attack occurs.
6. Unusual Fatigue
Many of us might write off feeling worn out or tired as due to stress or poor sleep. But fatigue is a common symptom of heart attack, especially in women. A decrease in blood flow to your heart causes the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. This may lead you to feel more tired than normal.
Other Symptoms
It is important to remember that some heart attacks can present without chest pain as the main symptom, especially in women or the elderly. Other possible heart attack symptoms to be aware of include nausea or abdominal pain and an uncomfortable sense of danger may also be present.
If you notice heart attack symptoms, call 9-1-1.
Don’t take any chances. Call 911 when you first suspect a heart attack, stroke, or any other heart emergency. Acting fast could save your life or a loved one’s. Don’t assume it’s “nothing” — while some heart attacks can happen suddenly, do not ignore a more gradual onset of mild discomfort. Listen to your body and call 911 if you feel any discomfort in the chest or upper body, experience shortness of breath, break out in cold sweats or have nausea or lightheadedness.
Dr. Anthony Magnano is a Ponte Vedra resident and chief of cardiology at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville. For more information on Dr. Magnano and his specialty in treating Atrial fibrillation, visit Healthcare.ascension.org or call 904-388-1820.
