Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, are medical emergencies that occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage can be caused by a blood clot or a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention and maximizing the chances of survival. In this visual guide, we will highlight the key indicators that may signal an impending heart attack.

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. This sensation may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or fullness in the center or left side of the chest. The pain can last for a few minutes or persist for an extended period.

It’s important to note that some people may experience atypical chest pain, which feels like indigestion or mild discomfort, and may dismiss it as a less severe issue. Any unexplained chest pain should be taken seriously.

2. Pain or Discomfort in Other Upper Body Areas

In addition to chest pain, a heart attack can cause discomfort or pain in other areas of the upper body. This includes the arms (particularly the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or stomach. The pain may radiate from the chest and intensify over time.

3. Shortness of Breath

Feeling short of breath, even during rest or with minimal exertion, can be a warning sign of a heart attack. It may manifest as an inability to catch one’s breath or a sensation of suffocating.

This symptom is often accompanied by other signs of distress, such as chest pain.

4. Profuse Sweating

Experiencing sudden and unexplained sweating, particularly if it is accompanied by other heart attack symptoms, can indicate a medical emergency. The skin may feel cold, clammy, or damp.

This excessive sweating is often unrelated to physical exertion or environmental factors.

5. Nausea and Vomiting

Heart attacks can also cause digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or indigestion-like discomfort. Some individuals may mistake these symptoms for stomach-related issues and delay seeking immediate medical attention.

6. Fatigue or Extreme Weakness

Feeling unusually tired or weak, especially when there is no explanation such as lack of sleep or excessive physical activity, can be a sign of an impending heart attack. Fatigue is more common in women and may occur for weeks before the actual event.

7. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

Individuals experiencing a heart attack may feel dizzy or lightheaded, akin to the sensation of about to faint. This symptom is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain due to the compromised heart function.

8. Palpitations or Rapid Heart Rate

A noticeable change in heart rhythm, characterized by palpitations or a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), can be a sign of a heart attack. This sensation may feel like the heart is skipping beats or pounding excessively.

9. Anxiety or Feeling of Impending Doom

Some individuals who are experiencing a heart attack may have a sense of anxiety, impending doom, or the feeling that something terrible is about to happen. This psychological symptom, often accompanied by physical discomfort, should not be ignored.

10. Unexplained Cough

In some cases, a persistent cough that is not related to a cold or respiratory infection can be an early indication of a heart attack. This cough may produce pink or white mucus and is caused by fluid buildup in the lungs.

Conclusion

Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack is crucial for seeking immediate medical help.

Chest pain or discomfort, upper body pain, shortness of breath, profuse sweating, nausea and vomiting, fatigue or extreme weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, palpitations or rapid heart rate, anxiety or feeling of impending doom, and unexplained cough are all potential indicators of a heart attack. If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, call emergency services right away.