Heart attacks have beginnings. Symptoms such as sweating, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, weakness, or shoulder and/or arm pain may be present hours or WEEKS before an actual heart attack.
EHAC (Early Heart Attack Care) is a program that teaches individuals how to recognize the early symptoms of a heart attack.
Each year 750,000 people in the United States have a heart attack, and 116,000 die. The vast majority experience early symptoms of a heart attack. The early symptoms can come and go and be mild at first. Rule number one is to pay attention to chest pressure.
Early Symptoms
In no particular order, the following are early signs that a heart attack may occur in the near future.
1.) Feeling of fullness
2.) Pain down one or both arms.
3.) Pain in the jaw.
4.) Excessive tiredness, fatigue, or weakness.
5.) Anxiety
6.) Vomiting and/or nausea.
7.) Back pain.
8.) Shortness of breath.
9.) Chest pressure, burning, aching, or squeezing sensation.
It is imperative that you call 911 instead of driving yourself to the hospital if you feel as though a heart attack may be occurring. Most heart damage occurs in the first two hours of a heart attack. Being aware of the early signs of a heart attack may not only save your life but may also limit damage to your heart.
Risk Factors
Chest pain is an obvious risk factor, but there are several others to consider. A family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity or being overweight, no exercise, tobacco use, diabetes and other metabolic disease are all risk factors as well. Women should also be aware that birth control pills, gestational diabetes, low birth weight baby, or a history of pre-eclampsia are also risk factors.
Men Versus Women
Statistically speaking, women are less likely to seek medical attention when it comes to heart attacks because their symptoms may be different, and this can lead to more heart damage. Men often feel pain and numbness down the left arm or left side of chest, but women may feel such symptoms on the right side. Women may feel exhausted, dizzy, drained, and/or nauseous. Women may feel the pain in their stomach is the flu or heartburn, maybe even an ulcer. Women may have upper back pain that travels to the jaw.
Not So Typical Signs
An individual may not be experiencing any pain or pressure in the chest yet feels a sharp knife-like pain when breathing or coughing. They may also feel pain that spreads above the jaw or into the lower body. Difficulty in breathing may also be present.
When in doubt call 911.