FAQs
chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest. pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy. feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
How do you know if you are definitely having a heart attack? ›
chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest. pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy. feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
How can I rule out a heart attack at home? ›
How can you tell if a heart attack is coming?
- chest discomfort.
- discomfort in other parts of the body, such as: one or both arms. jaw. back. neck. stomach.
- shortness of breath.
- cold sweats.
- lightheadedness.
- nausea.
Four Signs of a Silent Heart Attack
- Chest Pain, Pressure, Fullness, or Discomfort. Sometimes the pain from a heart attack is sudden and intense, which makes them easy to recognize and get help. ...
- Discomfort in other areas of your body. ...
- Difficulty breathing and dizziness. ...
- Nausea and cold sweats.
Common heart attack symptoms include:
- Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching.
- Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly.
- Cold sweat.
- Fatigue.
- Heartburn or indigestion.
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness.
- Nausea.
What not to do during a heart attack
- Do not rely on just taking nitroglycerin. Taking a prescribed medication such as nitroglycerin that temporarily widens blood vessels to improve blood supply to the heart is unlikely to stop a heart attack. ...
- Do not cough repeatedly. ...
- Do not apply pressure on the chest.
These symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. You can monitor your heart health at home by taking regular blood pressure readings, measuring your heart rate, and taking the stair test. If you notice any changes, be sure to let your doctor know right away.
How long does your body warn you before a heart attack? ›
For some people, symptoms can occur months or even longer before a heart attack occurs, Dr. Xu says. For others, they might not experience anything before a heart attack happens.
What is the best position for a heart attack? ›
The best position for someone who appears to be having a heart attack is one that's safe and comfortable. Sitting down is helpful, as it reduces pressure on the heart. If possible, you may want to have the individual sit against a wall, bed, or couch. This reduces the risk of a fall injury if the person passes out.
What is a pre-heart attack? ›
“I understand that heart attacks have beginnings and on occasion, signs of an impending heart attack may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/or arm pain and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack.
Signs of a heart attack
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, numbness, pinching or other uncomfortable sensation in your arm, jaw, back or stomach.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing deeply.
- Unexplained sweating or cool, clammy skin.
- Unusual fatigue.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return.
What mimics a heart attack? ›
Heartburn, angina and heart attack may feel very much alike. Even experienced doctors can't always tell the difference from your medical history and a physical exam. That's why, if you go to the emergency room because of chest pain, you'll immediately have tests to rule out a heart attack.
What does a small heart blockage feel like? ›
Your chest may feel heavy or like someone is squeezing your chest or heart. You may also feel a sharp, burning pain in your chest. You may feel the pain under your breastbone (sternum, so the pain is called substernal) or in your neck, arms, stomach, jaw, or upper back.
How to stop a heart attack in progress? ›
It is not possible to stop a heart attack if one is already in progress. The only way to stop a heart attack is to seek emergency medical attention. Some people say that coughing will help to stop a heart attack by keeping the blood flowing. However, the American Heart Association does not endorse this method.
What happens if you have a heart attack and don't go to the hospital? ›
An untreated heart attack can have serious repercussions. From irregular heart rhythms and further heart damage to vascular complications, the aftereffects can be life-threatening. Early intervention and continuous monitoring can prevent many of these long-term issues, ensuring a better quality of life post-event.
Can I be having a heart attack and not know it? ›
A silent heart attack is a heart attack that has few, if any, symptoms or has symptoms not recognized as a heart attack. A silent heart attack might not cause chest pain or shortness of breath, which are typically linked to a heart attack. People who have a silent heart attack might not know it.
What does a minor heart attack feel like? ›
A “mini” heart attack, or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), feels similar to a heart attack. Symptoms can include pressure-like pain in the chest, radiating pain, and more. The condition is a medical emergency. In a mini heart attack, or NSTEMI, there is only a partial blockage in the artery.
What feels like a heart attack but not? ›
Other causes of chest pain
Lung issues, including infection (pneumonia) or a blood clot (pulmonary embolism) Muscle pain, such as inflammation or injury to the muscles in the chest wall. Other digestive issues, such as inflammation or spasms in the pancreas, gallbladder or esophagus. Panic attack, or very intense ...
