A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle becomes severely reduced or completely blocked. This blockage is typically caused by a buildup of fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits, called plaques, in the heart’s arteries. If these plaques rupture, a blood clot can form, further obstructing blood flow and potentially damaging or destroying a portion of the heart muscle.
Understanding Heart Attack Symptoms
Heart attack symptoms can manifest in various ways, often differing from person to person. While some individuals experience intense, sudden symptoms, others might have more subtle indications that develop gradually. The most recognized symptom is chest pain, which can feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or aching across the chest. This discomfort might be diffuse rather than concentrated in a single spot, sometimes described as a broad ache.
Beyond chest discomfort, pain can spread to other areas of the body. This radiating pain may be felt in the:
Left arm (though it can affect both arms)
Shoulder
Back
Neck
Jaw
Teeth
Upper abdomen
Other symptoms that may accompany a heart attack include:
Shortness of breath (with or without chest pain)
Cold sweat
Nausea or vomiting
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Overwhelming feeling of anxiety
These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn.
Variability in Symptom Duration
Heart attack symptoms can last for days, or they may appear intermittently, coming and going over a period of time. While the actual heart attack event might peak within minutes to a few hours, the warning signs and symptoms leading up to it can build up slowly over several days or even weeks. This variability in duration can be influenced by several factors, including the extent and nature of the coronary artery blockage. A partial blockage, for instance, might cause less severe or intermittent symptoms compared to a complete obstruction.
Individual differences, such as pain tolerance and how one perceives discomfort, can also play a role in how symptoms are experienced and reported. Some heart attacks, known as “silent” heart attacks, may present with very mild or no noticeable symptoms at all, only to be discovered later during medical tests.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
If you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing heart attack symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, regardless of the severity or duration. The most appropriate action is to call emergency services, such as 911 in the United States, without delay. This immediate call for help ensures that medical professionals can reach the individual quickly and begin treatment.
Calling emergency services is generally preferred over driving oneself or having someone else drive to the hospital. Emergency responders are equipped to provide initial life-saving care on the way to the hospital, which can significantly improve outcomes. Furthermore, an ambulance crew can assess the situation, administer necessary medications, and transmit vital information to the hospital before arrival, preparing the medical team for immediate intervention.
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve or subside, as timely treatment minimizes heart damage and prevents serious complications.