Beyond Chest Pain: Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Heart Attack
WASHINGTON – A recent warning from U.S. cardiologists highlights that heart attacks don’t always present with the classic symptoms of chest pain or pressure, a potentially dangerous misconception especially for women. Recognizing less obvious indicators can be life-saving,experts say,urging individuals to heed unusual bodily signals and seek immediate medical attention.
While widely understood as a chest-centric event, a heart attack can manifest in a variety of ways, often being misinterpreted as less serious conditions like anxiety, indigestion, or even dental problems. This delayed recognition can have dire consequences, as heart muscle damage is irreversible and can lead to heart failure if intervention is not swift.
Stacey Rosen, a cardiologist, explains that women frequently experience atypical symptoms. “They can describe fatigue, nausea or back pain instead of chest pain. So it can be difficult to suspect,” she stated. experts emphasize the importance of listening to your body and calling 911 at the first sign of anything unusual.
Here are five lesser-known symptoms of a heart attack:
Jaw Pain: Pain radiating from the chest to the jaw,neck,or back can be a critical sign. One patient, Ben Rennert, initially attributed jaw pain to a dental issue, but timely diagnosis ultimately saved his life.
Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive issues like indigestion, heartburn, and burping, especially when unresponsive to antacids, can signal a heart attack, particularly those originating in the lower portion of the heart.
Sudden Fear and “Feeling of Death”: A wave of intense, inexplicable fear accompanied by physical symptoms is distinct from typical anxiety and should be taken seriously.Experts describe it as a strong sense that “something very wrong” is happening.
Cold and Sweaty Skin: An overstimulated nervous system during a heart attack can cause unexplained cold sweats. Pressure,shortness of breath,and sudden sweating during everyday activities,like carrying groceries,warrant immediate attention.
* Unusual Fatigue: Restricted oxygen circulation can lead to rapid and excessive tiredness. This symptom is frequently enough dismissed as aging or stress, but might potentially be an early warning sign.
Early intervention is crucial, as damaged heart muscle cells do not regenerate. Cardiologists recommend proactive steps to reduce risk, including maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, engaging in at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and adopting a healthy diet.
Ben Rennert, who experienced a heart attack in March, is now physically recovered. “It was my first long driving after a heart attack,” he said, describing a recent 15-kilometer bike ride. “It made you feel short but really good.”
Source: Newspaper Oxygen
