A heart attack occurs when the heart does not get enough oxygen because the blood flow is suddenly interrupted. The heart muscle cannot pump properly so the heart tissue quickly begins to die. Each year, about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. However, only about 27% of people are aware of the various symptoms of a heart attack that require immediate treatment. Don't let yourself be a part of these statistics. Stifling chest pain and aches in the upper body (whether from strenuous physical activity or not) are common symptoms of a heart attack. However, there are other signs to watch out for as well. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack and going to the hospital as soon as possible can greatly determine the next condition, namely between recovering safely, permanently damaged heart tissue, or death. If there is "the slightest" doubt that the pain is a sign of a heart attack, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Symptoms that Require Immediate Treatment
Call the emergency department immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, almost fainting feeling
- Hard to breathe
- Left arm feels sore
- Nausea or vomiting
Step
Method 1 of 5: Knowing When to Call the Emergency Room
Step 1. Watch for chest pain
Chest pain, whether sharp or dull, is the most common sign of a heart attack. People who have had a heart attack often report that a pinching, tightness, pressure, tightness, or sharp sensation is felt in the center or left side of the chest. The sensation may last for a few minutes or more, or disappear and reappear later.
- Chest pain from a heart attack isn't always as intense and pressing as some people describe it (such a heart attack is often called a "Hollywood" heart attack). A heart attack can also be characterized by fairly mild chest pain. So don't ignore any type of chest pain.
- "Retrosternal" chest pain is common with a heart attack. Retrosternal chest pain is pain that feels behind the breastbone (sternum). This type of pain is often mistaken for digestive disorders such as bloating. If in doubt about this kind of pain, call your doctor.
- Remember, a heart attack is not always marked by chest pain. In fact, more than half of heart attack patients do not experience chest pain. Don't rule out a heart attack just because your chest doesn't hurt.
Step 2. Watch for pain in the upper body
Sometimes, the pain from a heart attack radiates from the chest outwards, causing pain in the neck, jaw, abdomen, upper back, and left arm. Pain in these body parts is usually in the form of aches. If you haven't exercised recently or done anything that can cause your upper body to feel sore, this type of pain could be a sign of a heart attack.
Step 3. Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and a feeling of near fainting
These three symptoms are also common signs of a heart attack, although they are not experienced by all heart attack patients.
- Like other symptoms of a heart attack, dizziness, lightheadedness, and a feeling of near fainting can also be signs of other illnesses, so the diagnosis is often wrong. Do not ignore these symptoms, especially if accompanied by chest pain.
- Women tend to experience these three symptoms more often than men, although it doesn't occur in all women.
Step 4. Monitor breathing
Shortness of breath is a mild symptom of a heart attack that should not be underestimated. Shortness of breath due to a heart attack differs from shortness of breath due to other diseases in that it occurs for no reason. Heart attack patients who experience shortness of breath describe sensations as after strenuous exercise even though the patient is actually just sitting and relaxing.
Shortness of breath can be the only symptom of a heart attack. So, don't underestimate it! Especially if you haven't done anything that would normally cause shortness of breath, seek emergency medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur
Step 5. Watch out for nausea
Nausea can also cause the body to break out in a cold sweat and even vomit. If these symptoms occur, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, you may be having a heart attack.
Step 6. Be aware of feelings of restlessness
Many heart attack patients feel very restless, as if “something bad is going to happen”. Don't ignore the feeling. Seek medical help immediately if you experience similar extreme emotions.
Step 7. Call the emergency department immediately if you suspect that you or someone else is having a heart attack. The sooner medical treatment is given, the greater the chance of the patient surviving the heart attack. Don't wait too long or hesitate to seek medical help.
A study showed that half of people who experience symptoms of a heart attack wait for more than 4 hours before seeking medical help. Nearly half of all heart attack deaths occur outside the hospital. Don't ignore any symptoms, however mild they may seem. Call the emergency department as soon as possible
Method 2 of 5: Recognizing the Early Signs
Step 1. Seek medical help if you have angina
Angina is chest pain that feels like light pressure, a burning sensation, or tightness. Pain from angina is often mistaken for pyrosis. Angina can be a sign of coronary heart disease, the most common cause of heart attacks. If there is any pain in the chest, it is better to immediately see a doctor.
- Most angina pain occurs in the chest. However, pain from angina can also be felt in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, throat, or back. You may find it difficult to feel exactly which part of your body is experiencing pain.
- Pain from angina usually improves after resting for a few minutes. If chest pain lasts for more than a few minutes or doesn't improve after resting or taking angina medications, call the emergency room immediately.
- Some people experience angina after exercising. However, chest pain is not always a symptom of disease or a heart attack. Deviation from the normal pattern is the most important thing to watch out for.
- If you suspect yourself of having painful indigestion, it may actually be angina. Consult a doctor to determine the cause of the pain.
Step 2. Find out if you have an arrhythmia
Arrhythmias are heart rhythm disturbances. Arrhythmias occur in at least 90% of people who have a heart attack. If you have a pounding sensation in your chest or feel your heart "skipping a beat," you may have an arrhythmia. Consult a cardiologist who can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
- Arrhythmias can also cause more serious symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, a feeling of near fainting, palpitations or rapid heartbeats, and chest pain. If any of these arrhythmia symptoms occur, call the emergency department immediately.
- Although very common, especially in older adults, arrhythmias can be a sign of a serious health problem. Don't ignore arrhythmias. Consult a doctor to make sure you are not experiencing serious health problems.
Step 3. Watch for disorientation, confusion, and stroke-like symptoms
In people who are older, these symptoms may be a sign of a heart problem. Check with your doctor if you experience cognitive impairment for no apparent reason.
Step 4. Beware of fatigue for no reason
Compared to men, women are more likely to experience abnormal, sudden, or unexplained fatigue as a symptom of a heart attack. Fatigue can start a few days before the actual heart attack. If you experience sudden, unnatural fatigue without any changes in your daily activities, see your doctor immediately.
Method 3 of 5: Acting While Waiting for Emergency Medical Help to Arrive
Step 1. Call the emergency department immediately
Emergency department workers can tell you how to help people who are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. Do exactly as instructed by the officer. Call the emergency department before doing anything.
- Calling 118 or 119 is faster than driving yourself to the emergency department. Call an ambulance. Don't drive yourself to the hospital unless you have no other choice.
- Heart attack treatment is most effective if done within 1 hour of the first symptoms appearing.
Step 2. Stop all activities
Sit down and rest. Try to stay calm by controlling your breath as best you can.
Loosen tight clothing, such as shirt collars and belts
Step 3. If any, take any medication prescribed by your doctor to treat heart problems
If you have prescription medication, such as nitroglycerin, take the recommended dose while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
Do not take drugs that are not specifically prescribed by your doctor. Taking other people's drugs can be dangerous
Step 4. Take aspirin
Chewing and swallowing aspirin can help break down blockages or blood clots that cause a heart attack.
Don't take aspirin if you're allergic to it or your doctor has told you not to
Step 5. Consult a doctor even if symptoms improve
Even if your symptoms improve within 5 minutes, you should still see your doctor. Heart attacks can leave blood clots in blood vessels that can cause further health problems, such as repeated heart attacks or strokes. A professional medical examination is required.
Method 4 of 5: Understanding Other Causes of Symptoms
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion)
Dyspepsia is also known as indigestion or abdominal pain. Pain due to dyspepsia is usually chronic or recurrent and occurs in the upper abdomen. Dyspepsia can also cause pressure or mild chest pain. One or more of the following symptoms may accompany dyspeptic pain:
- Pyrosis
- Bloated or full
- Burp
- Acid reflux
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
Step 2. Recognize the various symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
GERD occurs because the esophageal muscles don't close properly, causing stomach contents to move up into the esophagus. This can lead to pyrosis and a sensation as if food is "stuck" in the chest. Nausea can also occur, especially after eating.
Symptoms of GERD usually appear after eating and become worse at night or when lying down or bending over
Step 3. Recognize asthma symptoms
Asthma can cause chest pain, pressure, or tightness. These symptoms are usually accompanied by coughing and wheezing.
Mild asthma attacks usually get better after a few minutes. If you still feel short of breath after a few minutes, seek medical attention immediately
Step 4. Recognize the symptoms of a panic attack
People who feel very anxious can have panic attacks. The symptoms of a panic attack may initially be the same as those of a heart attack. An increased heart rate, sweating, weakness, near fainting, or shortness of breath may occur.
Panic attack symptoms appear very quickly and usually go away quickly as well. If symptoms do not improve within 10 minutes, seek medical attention immediately
Method 5 of 5: Knowing the Risks
Step 1. Consider age
The risk of heart attack increases with age. Men aged 45 years and over and women aged 55 years and over are more at risk of having a heart attack than people who are younger.
- Older people may experience different heart attack symptoms than younger adults. In older people, watch for symptoms such as near fainting, shortness of breath, nausea, and weakness.
- Symptoms of dementia, such as forgetfulness, abnormal or unnatural behavior, and logical disturbances, can be signs of a “silent” heart attack in the elderly.
Step 2. Watch your weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of a heart attack.
- A passive lifestyle also increases the risk of a heart attack.
- A diet high in saturated fat increases the risk of coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks.
Step 3. Quit smoking
Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of a heart attack.
Step 4. Consider other chronic health disorders
The risk of a heart attack is higher if you have any of the following health problems:
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Do you or your family have a history of heart attack or stroke?
-
Diabetes
Diabetic patients may experience less dramatic symptoms of a heart attack. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect any symptoms
Tips
- Don't let feelings of shame or anxiety that it "turned out" not a heart attack prevent you from seeking medical help. Delay in medical treatment can lead to death.
- Don't underestimate any heart attack symptoms. If you don't feel better after 5-10 minutes of sitting and resting, call the emergency room immediately.
Warning
- The risk of having another heart attack is higher if you have already had a heart attack.
- Do not use a defibrillator (AED) unless you are professionally trained.
- In the case of mute ischemia, a heart attack can occur without experiencing any previous signs or symptoms.
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