Heart Attack – Signs and Symptoms

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow gets restricted to a certain section of the heart muscle. Due to lack of blood, the heart muscle does not receive adequate oxygen and begins to die. This restriction in the flow of blood is usually caused by a blood clot in any of the blood vessels that lead to the coronary arteries. It may also be caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Blood flow to the heart muscle needs to be restored between 20 to 40 minutes of a heart attack. Or else, the heart muscle becomes dead and is replaced by scar tissue.

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack differ from person to person. Usually chest pain and feeling of pressure in the chest are the most common symptoms of a heart attack. Listed below are the other common signs:

·         Crushing chest pain that may spread to the left shoulder

·         Pain or pressure in the neck or jaw

·         Pain or pressure in either arm (more commonly, left)

·         Upper back ache

·         Pain or squeezing sensation beneath the breastbone

·         Pain or pulsation between shoulder blades

·         Shortness of breath after little exertion

·         Dizziness

·         Discomfort post meals

·         Sweating

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Headache

·         Heartburn or indigestion

·         Palpitation

·         Vague feeling of illness

Many times there are no symptoms or signs of a heart attack. It is important not to ignore even if there are mild signs of a heart attack. A delay in treatment can lead to irreversible damage of the heart muscle and can also lead to death.

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