Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

With heart disease on the rise in America, it has never been more important for individuals to be aware of the warning signs of a heart attack. One in fifty heart attacks goes completely undiagnosed, even by health care professionals, so it is the responsibility of every individual to know what to look for and to be an advocate for his or her own health. Most Common Warning Signs of a Heart Attack The warning signs of a heart attack that you are most likely to encounter are probably the ones you are already aware of. Most people, especially men, experience extreme pain and tightness in the chest. This may be accompanied by shortness of breath as well as pain, burning or feelings of heaviness in other parts of the upper body, particularly the shoulder, arm and jaw.

While some people confuse these symptoms with those of severe acid reflux or panic attacks, if you have experienced severe chest pain, that s a pretty clear warning sign of a heart attack and you should go to the emergency room immediately. Secondary Warning Signs of a Heart Attack In addition to the above warning signs of a heart attack, you may experience some secondary signs or symptoms. These may include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and a cold sweat. It is important to be aware that these warning signs of a heart attack can occur even without the chest pain that is traditionally associated with heart attacks, particularly in women. If you experience fatigue, dizziness, and pain in your extremeties, it may mean you have had a heart attack, or it may mean that you have heart problems which could soon lead to a heart attack. If this happens, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Most Common Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

The warning signs of a heart attack that you are most likely to encounter are probably the ones you are already aware of. Most people, especially men, experience extreme pain and tightness in the chest. This may be accompanied by shortness of breath as well as pain, burning or feelings of heaviness in other parts of the upper body, particularly the shoulder, arm and jaw. While some people confuse these symptoms with those of severe acid reflux or panic attacks, if you have experienced severe chest pain, that s a pretty clear warning sign of a heart attack and you should go to the emergency room immediately.

Secondary Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

In addition to the above warning signs of a heart attack, you may experience some secondary signs or symptoms. These may include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and a cold sweat. It is important to be aware that these warning signs of a heart attack can occur even without the chest pain that is traditionally associated with heart attacks, particularly in women. If you experience fatigue, dizziness, and pain in your extremeties, it may mean you have had a heart attack, or it may mean that you have heart problems which could soon lead to a heart attack. If this happens, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Silent Heart Attack

Sometimes, unfortunately, there are no warning signs of a heart attack. Silent heart attacks are defined as heart attacks that have no signs or symptoms, and often go undetected. If you have shortness of breath or fatigue, it is possible that you ve already had a heart attack, and the damage to your heart may be continuing to cause you further problems, such as restricting your circulation. This needs to be treated as soon as possible with medication, diet, and lifestyle changes. The only way to tell for sure whether you ve had a heart attack is to see a cardiologist and undergo a series of tests.