Coronary infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, it is not the only one.

In this article, we will explore the different symptoms and causes of coronary infarction beyond chest pain.

Symptoms of Coronary Infarction

While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, it is not the only one. Other symptoms of a heart attack can include:.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can occur during or after a heart attack and is caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart due to a blocked artery. This can cause difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a feeling of suffocation.

Arm or Shoulder Pain

Arm or shoulder pain can occur during a heart attack and may feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain. The pain may also radiate down the arm and into the wrist or fingers.

Jaw or Tooth Pain

Jaw or tooth pain can occur during a heart attack and may feel like a dull ache or a sharp pain. The pain may also radiate down the neck and into the shoulder or back.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can occur during a heart attack due to the low blood flow to the digestive system. This can cause a loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.

Sweating

Sweating can occur during a heart attack due to the release of adrenaline in response to the stress on the body. This can cause excessive sweating, even if the temperature is cool.

Causes of Coronary Infarction

Coronary infarction is caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The most common cause of coronary infarction is a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis.

This can be caused by:.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries over time, which can lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries and an increased risk of coronary infarction.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol can also lead to a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of coronary infarction. This is because cholesterol can stick to the walls of the arteries and cause them to narrow.

Smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of coronary infarction by damaging the lining of the arteries and causing a build-up of plaque. It can also cause the arteries to narrow, which can reduce blood flow to the heart.

Diabetes

Diabetes can increase the risk of coronary infarction by damaging the blood vessels and causing a build-up of plaque in the arteries. This is because high blood sugar levels can damage the lining of the blood vessels over time.

Conclusion

Coronary infarction is a serious medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, it is not the only one.

Other symptoms of a heart attack can include shortness of breath, arm or shoulder pain, jaw or tooth pain, nausea and vomiting, and sweating. Coronary infarction is caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which can be caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.

If you experience any symptoms of a heart attack, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.