In everyday life, we may experience minor symptoms that seem harmless but could be early warning signs of serious health conditions. These symptoms are often overlooked, but if you notice any of the following, it’s best to consult a doctor.
1. Chest Pain
Chest pain is a well-known symptom of a heart attack (myocardial infarction), though not all heart attacks present as sudden, intense pain. Instead, it may feel like discomfort, heavy pressure, or a squeezing sensation in the chest—sometimes mistaken for heartburn. The pain can last for a few seconds or minutes before disappearing, leading many to dismiss it as muscle strain from activities like gardening or lifting heavy objects.
2. Arm or Back Pain
Men often experience pain in the left arm, while women may feel discomfort in both arms. You might notice a heavy or numb sensation, which could be a sign of angina or a heart attack. The pain may originate in the chest and spread to the back, particularly between the shoulder blades or across the upper back. If the pain occurs at night and wakes you up without an obvious muscle or bone-related cause, it’s worth paying attention to.
3. Neck or Jaw Pain
A heart attack can sometimes cause pain above the shoulders, including tension in one or both sides of the jaw or discomfort in the neck. Some individuals may also feel a burning or choking sensation in the throat.
4. Unusual Fatigue
Feeling tired after a long day is normal, but extreme fatigue without exertion could be a warning sign. If you find yourself feeling exhausted after simple activities like showering or light exercise, or if you’re too tired to sleep properly, it could indicate an underlying heart issue.
5. Fainting and Nausea
A sudden feeling of dizziness or near-fainting can occur when blood pressure drops due to the heart’s inability to pump enough oxygen to the brain. While this can happen from overexertion, heart conditions may also be to blame. Additionally, persistent nausea or loss of appetite could be an early warning sign of serious heart problems.
6. Sweating and Shortness of Breath
Excessive sweating, even while at rest, could signal a heart attack. You may feel cold and clammy or struggle to catch your breath, as if you’ve just run a marathon. Finding a comfortable position—whether sitting, lying down, or standing—might not provide relief.
7. Coughing and Wheezing
Persistent shortness of breath, accompanied by coughing and wheezing, may be a sign of heart failure. This occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough oxygenated blood throughout the body, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs. Some individuals may experience crackling or wheezing sounds while breathing, and in certain cases, they may cough up pink-tinged mucus.
8. Swelling (Edema)
Heart failure can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the ankles, legs, knees, and even the stomach. You might notice your shoes feeling tighter. This happens because a weakened heart slows down circulation, causing fluid buildup. The kidneys also struggle to eliminate excess salt and water, worsening the swelling.
9. Difficulty Moving
When the heart weakens, it prioritizes blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart rather than the arms and legs. As a result, simple activities such as climbing stairs, walking the dog, or even getting dressed can become exhausting. In advanced cases of heart failure, even short walks around the house may feel overwhelming.
10. Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
A weakened heart may beat faster to compensate for reduced pumping ability. This can result in a racing or irregular heartbeat. Some people experience skipped beats or fluttering sensations, describing it as a fish flopping inside the chest. This could indicate atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of blood clots and stroke if left untreated. Even if you don’t feel a racing heart, symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or breathlessness could be signs of an underlying issue.
11. Loud Snoring
Frequent, loud snoring could be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that causes brief pauses in breathing during sleep. Over time, sleep apnea increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, it can significantly raise the risk of heart disease and even become life-threatening.
12. Erectile Dysfunction
Persistent erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator of heart disease. Narrowed arteries in the heart can also restrict blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to maintain an erection. If this issue occurs frequently, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call emergency services immediately if you or someone else experiences any of the following heart attack symptoms:
- Chest pain that feels like pressure, squeezing, or stabbing
- Pain or discomfort in the shoulders, back, neck, or arms
- Shortness of breath that feels like choking
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- Excessive sweating or unexplained nausea
Emergency First Aid for a Heart Attack
Doctors recommend taking the following steps if someone experiences an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack):
Step 1
Stop all activities immediately and sit or lie down in a semi-upright position (around 75 degrees) with knees bent. Remove tight clothing such as jackets, belts, scarves, or ties. Encourage deep, slow breathing to stabilize the heart rhythm.
Step 2
If available, place nitroglycerin under the tongue as prescribed by a doctor. Nitroglycerin helps dilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow and reducing damage to the heart muscle.
Step 3
If there are no allergies or contraindications, take aspirin. Aspirin helps prevent platelets from clumping at atherosclerotic plaques, reducing the risk of large blood clots that could block arteries. Always follow a doctor’s guidance regarding aspirin use.
Step 4
Perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the patient becomes unconscious, stops breathing, or has no pulse. If you are the one experiencing symptoms, try to signal others for help.
Step 5
Provide emergency responders with crucial information, including symptoms, onset time, medications taken, medical history, risk factors, and any allergies.
Step 6
On the way to the hospital, medical personnel may administer nitroglycerin, blood thinners, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, pain relievers, or sedatives as necessary.
Step 7
Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient will be taken to the emergency or catheterization lab. Doctors will conduct blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the condition. Additional tests such as chest X-rays, echocardiograms, coronary angiograms, or CT scans may be performed.
Step 8
Depending on the severity of the heart attack, doctors may proceed with one of the following treatments:
- Coronary angioplasty (stent placement)
- Thrombolytic therapy (clot-dissolving medication)
- Coronary artery bypass surgery (to restore blood flow to the heart)
These procedures are designed to quickly open blocked arteries, restore circulation, and minimize heart damage and long-term complications.
Step 9
Following treatment, the patient will be closely monitored in the hospital. To prevent recurrence, doctors typically prescribe long-term medications such as:
- Blood thinners and antiplatelets
- Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs)
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
Upon discharge, patients receive guidance on maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and stress management. Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged stress is essential for preventing future heart issues.