A person may feel any of the following symptoms which could be the signal of an imminent heart attack.
1. Chest pain or discomfort
This could mean discomfort, pain, pressure or tightness coming from the chest or extending to the chest. It could also be a dull ache, a crushing or burning feeling. Or a sharp stabbing pain or pain that extends to the neck or shoulder.
2. Neck pain /Upper back pain:
When blood flow in a coronary artery is blocked, it produces a lot of pressure. This makes the person feel a sensation of chest squeezing or chest cramping. The pain then radiates to the back and the neck. And that is why several people have a sensation of chest and back pain before a heart attack (2). And therefore, upper back pain that is not related to any exertion or work could be a symptom of heart disease or an imminent heart attack. Doctors refer to this as “referred pain” because it is believed that the brain has trouble identifying its origin in the body.
3. Indigestion/Heart burn
Indigestion and heartburn can often be misinterpreted. Indigestion is pain or discomfort in the stomach which is associated with food digestion. It could also be like having a feeling of being too full. Heartburn tends to more like a burning sensation in the stomach which then moves up the throat. Indigestion may be associated with tightness or squeezing pain of the chest with the feeling radiating to the left shoulder, arm and neck.
4. Nausea or vomiting
Having a feeling of nausea or vomiting associated with any of the symptoms enumerated here, could be a sign of heart disease or even an imminent heart attack. This could be associated with a feeling of dizziness and sweating. If you are sitting down doing nothing and you feel like vomiting, or you have nausea, dizziness with intense chest pain you may need to go to the nearest hospital immediately.
5. Extreme fatigue
Extreme fatigue is like a feeling of being tired all the time. Severe fatigue is a most frequent symptom of heart disease. According to the British Heart Foundation, if you are tired because you have been working long hours or staying late at night, it is probably not due to your heart; but if your lifestyle is different and nevertheless, you feel tired all the time it could be a symptom of an imminent heart attack.
6. Shortness of breath/ choking
Having a sensation of choking, or shortness of breath could be a symptom of heart disease or an imminent heart attack. This may be associated with a tightness of the chest, discomfort or pain.
CONCLUSION
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO SEEK HELP. IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR, NURSE OR THE HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL URGENTLY. DON’T WAIT.
Do you or anyone you know have any of these symptoms? What remedies did they seek? Did they get help in time? Please let us know in the comments section.
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