If you know someone in your life who has recently suffered from a heart attack, and you're worried about the safety and health of your own heart, or you know for a fact that you are an individual with a higher risk of suffering from a heart attack than others, then chances are that you will want to learn more about this kind of occurrence. Sometimes, asking yourself "What are the most common symptoms of a heart attack", could give you the guidance and knowledge that you need to make crucial decisions about finding medical help to avoid such an unexpected situation.
Before we cover this topic in greater detail, it's worth noting that there is a great deal of confusion surrounding the terms "heart attack" and "cardiac arrest". A heart attack is otherwise known as a myocardial infarction, and it represents damage that takes place within the heart muscle because blood is not flowing properly throughout the organ. On the other hand, a cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. When a heart attack is very severe, it can sometimes lead to a cardiac arrest, but a heart attack and cardiac arrest are not the same thing.
Understanding the Most Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
Knowing what to look for in terms of early warning signs can be critical when it comes to prompt recognition and action in a heart attack situation. Asking your doctor "what are the most common symptoms of a heart attack" however, might lead to a range of different responses, as many heart attacks can differ in their symptoms. Usually, a heart attack will start as a slow experience, unlike those dramatic things that you frequently see on television. People who suffer from a heart attack often find that they have no idea what is even happening to them.
What's more, heart attack symptoms can vary from one person to the next, and even if you have had a heart attack before, you may find that a secondary heart attack doesn't have the same symptoms as your first experience. Usually, the most common symptoms are chest pain, or pressure around the chest, but victims can also experience a range of other symptoms, such as body-wide discomfort.
The most common symptoms of a heart attack include:
– Chest discomfort – This usually feels like squeezing, uncomfortable pressure, or deep aching pains. Usually, chest pains associated with a heart attack will last much longer than a couple of seconds. Instead, they will persist for a number of minutes, or they may go away then come back after a brief pause.
– Discomfort in various areas of the body – Sometimes victims experience symptoms that include discomfort around the arms, the back, the jaw, stomach, and even the back.
– Shortness of breath – Struggling to breathe properly is common with people suffering from a heart attack.
– Nausea and other symptoms – Many people experience feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.
Remember that if anything feels strange in your chest, you should not wait to make sure that it's a heart attack before seeking help. Some heart attacks are sudden, but others start slowly and can be dealt with before they become too severe.