A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a section of the heart muscle is severely reduced or completely blocked. This blockage is typically caused by a blood clot forming over a ruptured plaque deposit within a coronary artery, which starves the muscle tissue of oxygen and causes it to die. Recognizing the signs of this medical emergency quickly is important because prompt treatment can significantly limit damage to the heart muscle. Symptoms can present in many ways, making it necessary to understand the full range of physical behaviors that signal a problem.
Recognizable Classic Symptoms
The most commonly recognized behavior signaling a heart attack is the onset of central chest discomfort, often described as a feeling of intense pressure, squeezing, or fullness. This sensation is typically persistent, lasting for more than a few minutes, or it may subside and then return again. It is rarely a sharp, momentary, or stabbing pain, but rather a profound discomfort that patients sometimes liken to an elephant sitting on their chest.
The discomfort frequently radiates outward from the chest to other areas of the upper body. This radiating pain can be felt in one or both arms, particularly the left, as well as the neck, jaw, back, or upper stomach. Observable signs often accompany this central pain, including a sudden cold sweat or paleness of the skin.
A person may also exhibit sudden shortness of breath, which can occur before or alongside the chest discomfort. This labored breathing is a clear physical sign that the heart is struggling to pump effectively. The person having the heart attack may appear restless or visibly distressed due to the intense and persistent nature of the symptoms.
Atypical Signs and Differences in Presentation
Not everyone experiences the dramatic, classic presentation commonly depicted, and in some groups, the signs can be much more subtle. Women, the elderly, and those with diabetes are more likely to experience atypical symptoms that deviate from central chest pain. Failure to recognize these less common signs often leads to dangerous delays in seeking medical attention.
One of the most frequent atypical behaviors is a sudden onset of unusual or unexplained fatigue that is profound and persistent. This exhaustion can be the only noticeable symptom and is particularly common in women, sometimes occurring days or weeks before the acute event. Discomfort localized only in the jaw, throat, or upper back, without any accompanying chest pressure, is also a sign.
Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or a feeling similar to severe indigestion or heartburn can signal a heart attack, especially in the absence of a known gastrointestinal issue. The person may also experience lightheadedness, dizziness, or a feeling of faintness caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain. For some, shortness of breath may be the sole complaint, presenting as an inability to catch one’s breath even at rest.
Immediate Action Steps
Recognizing any of the signs necessitates immediate action, as time is muscle in a heart attack. The single most important step is to call emergency medical services, such as 911 or the local equivalent, without delay. Do not attempt to drive to the hospital, as emergency personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way and are prepared for potential complications like cardiac arrest.
While waiting for help to arrive, the person should sit down and rest in a comfortable position, and any tight clothing should be loosened. The goal is to minimize the heart’s workload and keep the individual calm. If the person is conscious, the emergency dispatcher may advise taking aspirin.
A non-enteric-coated, adult-strength aspirin tablet, typically 325 mg, should be chewed and swallowed for rapid absorption. Chewing the aspirin quickly inhibits platelets, helping prevent the existing blood clot from growing larger and potentially reducing damage to the heart muscle. This action should only be taken if the person is not allergic to aspirin and has not been advised against it due to a bleeding risk.