Does Heart Attack Hurt

What Are The Long Term Effects Of Vomiting

Purge vomiting can cause the esophagus to tear and become weak, which can then lead to a host of problems, including chronic acid reflux. Thanks to the stomach acids involved in acid reflux, the mucous membranes of the esophagus may eventually begin to erode, causing a condition known as Barretts esophagus.

When Chest Pains Are Serious

Unlike an achy knee or crabby lower back, chest pain isn’t something to shrug off until tomorrow. It also isn’t something to diagnose at home. Don’t play doctor go see one, fast, if you are worried about pain or discomfort in your chest, upper back, left arm, or jaw or suddenly faint or develop a cold sweat, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 or your local emergency number to summon an emergency medical crew. It will whisk you to the hospital in a vehicle full of equipment that can start the diagnosis and keep you stable if your heart really is in trouble.

There are oh-so-many reasons to delay calling for help.

• I’m too young .
• I’m in great shape .
• I have a family to take care of .
• I don’t want to bother anyone .

How To Recognize Left Arm Pain As A Warning Sign Of Heart Attack

Pain in the left arm can be a normal occurrence in older people, but it also can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Among these problems lies the issue of a heart attack. So, how do you recognize left arm pain as a sign of a heart attack, which is a medical emergency and should be treated as such?

Read Also: What Is Normal Blood Pressure And Heart Rate

Read Also: What Does Heart Attack Feel Like Woman

When Anxiety Attacks The Body: Physical Symptoms

In some cases, heightened levels of anxiety can cause chest pain to develop. Anxiety is the bodys reaction to a perceived threat, explains Richa Bhatia, MD, FAPA, of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

When people are anxious, their blood supply to different parts of the body can be decreased because the body is in a fight-or-flight response and more blood is directed to the muscles, she says. Dr. Bhatia adds that people in a state of heightened anxiety often hyperventilate and breathe in a shallow manner, which can cause dizziness or chest tightness.

What a Panic Attack Feels Like

Experiencing chest pain because of anxiety can be one of the symptoms of a panic attack, which is defined as a feeling of sudden, intense fear and the severe onset of four or more of these symptoms:4

• numbness and tingling
• fear of going crazy or of losing control.

A panic attack can happen when a person is feeling anxious, or it can occur out of the blue. The symptoms described above tend to last for roughly 10 minutes before fading. It is possible to have several panic attacks within a number of hours, which can feel like the attacks are coming in waves. Some people experience panic attacks daily or weekly. A milder variation of panic attacks, known as limited-symptom attacks, feature three or fewer of the symptoms listed above.5

Look Beyond Chest Pain Symptoms

When you have a heart attack, its because one of the coronary arteries that provide blood to the heart is blocked. The blockage obstructs the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart.

When you think of a heart attack, you may picture a person clutching their chest and collapsing from sudden, severe pain. But the symptoms of a heart attack often are much more subtle. This is especially true for women, Dr. Abdallah says.

A study by researchers at the University of British Columbia showed women are slightly less likely than men to experience chest pain during a heart attack.

Instead, they often suffer from subtle symptoms such as:

• Pain in the arms, neck or jaw.
• Sweating or cold sweat.
• Feelings of fullness, indigestion or choking .
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, extreme weakness or anxiety.

People with diabetes who are having a heart attack often have atypical or minimal symptoms, Dr. Abdallah says. If you have diabetes, you should seek medical attention for even slight chest or stomach pain or discomfort.

Recommended Reading: How Long Can Someone Live With Heart Failure

You May Like: Which Of The Following Statements Is False Regarding Coronary Heart Disease And Smoking

Chest Pain And Heart Attack Symptoms

Chest pain is only one of the possible signs of an impending heart attack. If you notice one or more of the signs below in yourself or someone else, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, burning, tightness, or pain in the center of the chest

• Pain, numbness, pinching, prickling, or other uncomfortable sensations in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach

• Shortness of breath

Also Check: How To Prevent Heart Attack With Food

Anxiety Elevates Heart Rate

Anxiety, in itself, can cause the heart to race, and, if the arteries are obstructed as noted above, this could also cause arm pain by the same mechanism, says Dr. Tavel.

Anxiety, in the absence of a cardiac disorder, is seldom a cause of arm pain.

Anxiety in the absence of obstructed cardiac blood flow may also rarely produce pains in virtually any location for uncertain reasons. Such pains are usually more widespread and not limited to a single limb.

So if youve been having a fast heartbeat, feelings of anxiety and a concurrent unexplained aching in your arm you need to get your ticker checked.

Look at this for what it is: Youre trying to convince yourself that anxiety causes pain in one arm. Come on.

This symptom could have numerous causes including a muscle problem, but do you really believe that anxiety can cause pain in only one arm?

And if your heart rate is above 100 in the absence of exercise or emotional stress, this is all the more reason to see your doctor.

Dr. Tavels medical research includes over 125 publications, editorials and book reviews in peer-reviewed national medical journals. He was formerly director of the cardiac rehabilitation program at St. Vincent Hospital in Indiana. mortontavel.com

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. Shes also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.

Also Check: What Is A Heart Attack Caused By

Types Of Chest Pain That Usually Do Not Signal A Heart Attack

You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that not all chest pain immediately triggers a heart attack. Here are four other chest pain possibilities:

• Brief lightning bolt or electrical shock sensations. Generally, a cracked rib, pulled chest-wall muscle or even shingles can cause this type of chest pain.
• Pleurisy, pneumonia or asthma. Pinpoint discomfort that worsens when changing position. If chest pain shifts with breathing, its likely one of these three ailments.
• Acid reflux. If sharp chest pain improves with movement and exercise, its most likely to be caused by an issue like acid reflux.
• Panic attacks. A panic attack is very frightening, especially if youve never experienced one before. While not life-threatening, the sudden attack of fear and anxiety can interfere with your quality of life and mental health. Symptoms of a panic attack closely mirror the symptoms of a heart attack, but there is a way to tell the difference.

Remember, heart attack symptoms can vary, and womens symptoms are usually more subtle than mens. If youre not sure what is causing your pain, err on the side of caution.

If your chest discomfort is fleeting but severe, or if mild chest pain never completely goes away, make an appointment to see your primary care doctor as soon as possible.

Heart Attack Warning Signs Arm Pain

This article dwells on heart attack warning signs â arm pain. We all know that arm pain can be caused by injury, trauma, etc. however, do we know arm pain is also an indicator of heart attack? Read more to find outâ¦

This article dwells on heart attack warning signs arm pain. We all know that arm pain can be caused by injury, trauma, etc. however, do we know arm pain is also an indicator of heart attack? Read more to find out

Heart attack is a grave condition befalling people, in which the ever-beating heart receives less oxygenated blood from the lungs. In medical terms, this condition is referred to as myocardial infarction and the reason behind this inadequate supply of oxygenated blood can be blocked or clogged coronary arteries .

Heart disease is preventable. Here are Goldbergs top tips:

• Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to learn your personal risk for heart disease.
• Quit smoking. Did you know that just one year after you quit, youll cut your risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent?
• Start an exercise program. Just walking 30 minutes a day can lower your risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Modify your familys diet if needed. Check out these healthy cooking tips. Youll learn smart substitutions, healthy snacking ideas and better prep methods. For example, with poultry, use the leaner light meat instead of the fattier dark meat , and be sure to remove the skin.

Learn more:

Read Also: Who Performed The First Open Heart Surgery In The World

Symptoms Can Last For Days

Since many symptoms of a heart attack in women dont include chest pain, theyre often overlooked. Unusual fatigue, nausea, weakness, and other signs may be mistaken for illnesses such as the flu.

Vague symptoms make heart attack harder to identify, but women are also more likely to dismiss or minimize their symptoms in comparison to men. In fact, one study found that women waited 54 hours to seek treatment for heart attack symptoms, compared to men who waited just 16 hours.

If you think you or a loved one is suffering a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Follow the operators instructions and try to take slow, deep breaths until help arrives. Seeking treatment as early as possible increases your chances of a full recovery.

What Happens In Your Body During A Heart Attack

You hear about heart attacks all the time, but what actually happens during one?

Essentially, blood flows into the heart to provide oxygen so that the heart muscle can effectively do its job. During a heart attack, this blood flow is either cut off completely or severely reduced. This can be caused by arteries that are narrowed due to excess cholesterol.

In some cases, a cardiac catheterization is needed to determine the cause of a heart attack and the extent to which the arteries are blocked.

You can clearly see what happens during a heart attack through this video, courtesy of the American Heart Association.

Also Check: How Dangerous Is Open Heart Surgery

Dont Hesitate To Call 911

Learn the signs for heart attack, and remember: Even if youre not sure its a heart attack, have it checked out.

Minutes matter. Fast action can save lives – maybe your own.

if you experience heart attack warning signs. Calling 911 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment.

An emergency medical services team can begin treatment when they arrive up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.

For many reasons, its best to call 911 so that an experienced EMS team can begin treatment and arrange rapid transport to the emergency room.

Chest Pain: How A Doctor Decides It Could Be A Heart Attack

Posted October 26, 2015

Patients with chest pain come to my clinic with a nervous expression and a million-dollar question, âDoctor, is it my heart?â

Such concern is valid. But understanding how medical providers think about chest pain may allay some fear.

If you come to a clinic with chest pain, your provider will have questions about the major factors for heart disease. I will ask if you:

• assess your age and gender
• check to see if you have a family history of heart disease.

Also Check: How To Figure Out Target Heart Rate

What Can I Do To Recover After A Heart Attack

Take our quiz to see how much you know about cardiac rehabilitation.

If youve had a heart attack, your heart may be damaged. This could affect your hearts rhythm and its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. You may also be at risk for another heart attack or conditions such as stroke, kidney disorders, and peripheral arterial disease .

You can lower your chances of having future health problems following a heart attack with these steps:

• Physical activityTalk with your health care team about the things you do each day in your life and work. Your doctor may want you to limit work, travel, or sexual activity for some time after a heart attack.
• Lifestyle changesEating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stressin addition to taking prescribed medicinescan help improve your heart health and quality of life. Ask your health care team about attending a program called cardiac rehabilitation to help you make these lifestyle changes.
• Cardiac rehabilitationCardiac rehabilitation is an important program for anyone recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart problem that required surgery or medical care. Cardiac rehab is a supervised program that includes
• Physical activity
• Education about healthy living, including healthy eating, taking medicine as prescribed, and ways to help you quit smoking
• Counseling to find ways to relieve stress and improve mental health

Symptoms You Never Suspected

So, what does a heart attack really feel like?According to Dr. Menon, patients most often report:

• Heartburn-like chest pain. Its quite common for heart attacks to feel like acid reflux.
• Shortness of breath. Some heart attacks dont cause pain at all. These silent heart attacks are most common in people with diabetes, older adults and those who have had bypass surgery.
• Profound fatigue. This symptom is most common in elderly patients and can be misdiagnosed as a flu-like illness.
• Nausea and sweating. While these symptoms can come with heavy chest pain, they also can occur by themselves, especially in women. These symptoms commonly accompany heart attacks to the inferior wall of the heart.

You May Like: What Is The Correct Definition For Target Heart Rate Range

Heart Attack Warning Signs For Men

The classic symptom of chest pain may not be present in every heart attack, but it remains the most common warning sign, especially among men.

The pain is often described as a heavy weight on the chest. It tends to be located in the center of the chest, but it can be felt from armpit to armpit.

Other heart attack symptoms that are common among men include:

• shortness of breath, which sometimes develops before any other symptoms, and may be present when sitting still or moving around
• a sudden cold sweat
• symptoms that come on quickly

Can You Recognize A Heart Attack Or Stroke

What To Do When Every Moment Counts

How would you react to a medical emergency? When it comes to life-threatening conditions like heart attack or stroke, every minute counts. Get to know the signs and symptoms of these health threats. If you think you or someone else might be having a heart attack or stroke, get medical help right away. Acting fast could save your life or someone elses.

Heart disease and stroke are 2 of the top killers among both women and men in the U.S. Nationwide, someone dies from a heart attack about every 90 seconds, and stroke kills someone about every 4 minutes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Quick medical help could prevent many of these deaths. Fast action can also limit permanent damage to the body.

Heart attack and stroke are caused by interruptions to the normal flow of blood to the heart or brain2 organs that are essential to life. Without access to oxygen-rich blood and nutrients, heart or brain cells begin to malfunction and die. This cell death can set off a series of harmful effects throughout the body. The changes ultimately lead to the familiar symptoms of a heart or brain emergency.

You might know the most common symptoms of heart attack: sustained, crushing chest pain and difficulty breathing. A heart attack might also cause cold sweats, a racing heart, pain down the left arm, jaw stiffness, or shoulder pain.

Also Check: Signs Of Congested Heart Failure

Heart Attack Warning Signs For Women

While chest pain is often a symptom of a heart attack among women, the pain is often described as pressure or tightness instead of the heavy weight on the chest pain that men describe.

In some cases, there may only be other symptoms and very little or no chest pain.

Women are also more likely than men to experience nontraditional heart attack symptoms, such as:

• unusual or extreme fatigue, which may develop several days before other symptoms and may make you feel like youre coming down with the flu
• pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen that may feel like heartburn or indigestion
• throat and jaw pain, often without any chest pain
• symptoms that come on gradually

Women are often reluctant to seek medical attention for heart attack symptoms, partly because of delays in recognizing heart attack symptoms since theyre not commonly talked about.

While women are slightly less likely than men to have heart attacks before menopause, the odds essentially are equal after menopause.

When Is Chest Pain A Heart Attack

Many people delay calling 999 when having chest pain as they often think it isnt serious. You should dial 999 immediately if your chest pain:

• spreads to you arms, back, neck or jaw
• feels heavy or tight.

Or if:

• you become short of breath or start to feel sick.

If your chest pain doesnt match these characteristics and you arent experiencing any other heart attack symptoms, there may be other explanations for your chest pain. These include angina, indigestion or a strained muscle.If you frequently experience unexplained chest pain, book an appointment with your GP as its possible you may have an undiagnosed heart condition.

Don’t Miss: What Should My Heart Rate Be While Exercising