Are You Having a Heart Attack? Learn the Warning Signs

September 16, 2019 — Emergency Care, Heart Attack

You feel nauseated. Your breathing increases. Your chest tightens, and your arms start to hurt. Is it something that you ate? Or are you having a heart attack and need to rush to your ER in Cibolo?

Heart disease remains to be one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Although conventional wisdom says that in the event of a heart attack, a crushing pain in the chest can be felt, the warning signs differ from one person to another.

Some people experience dull chest pains. Others feel an intense, squeezing sensation, and is likened to the pressure one would feel if a heavy object is placed on their chest.

What causes a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. Majority of heart attack cases are caused by coronary heart disease. This happens when plaque, or fatty deposits, gradually build up in the arteries. This blockage may restrict or completely block the blood flow to the heart, causing it to lack oxygen. This can be fatal.

What does a heart attack feel like?

According to the American Heart Association, these are some of the warning signs of a heart attack that you should never ignore.

• Chest discomfort. This may be felt at the center of the chest. It may last for a couple of minutes, and may go away then come back. You may feel a squeezing sensation, an uncomfortable pressure, a feeling of fullness, or pain.
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in some areas in the upper body, such as the back, arms, jaw, neck, and stomach.
• Other signs, which includes nausea, breaking out in a cold sweat, or lightheadedness.

Symptoms vary

Not all people who have heart attacks experience it the same way. Some symptoms can be more severe. Keep in mind that the more symptoms you have, the greater the chances that you are having a heart attack.

There are some who experience warning signs days or weeks in advance. Some heart attacks strike suddenly.

Don’t hesitate to seek medical help

Remember, it’s important to get yourself checked, even if you are not sure that it’s a heart attack. Fast action can save lives. Minutes matter. If you think you might be having a heart attack, call 911, or go to your nearest ER in Ciboloimmediately.