Heart Attack Warning Signs to Look out for

cardiovascular issues
Heart Attack - Photo by: German Tenorio - Source: Flickr Creative Commons

If someone has any kind of coronary heart disease, or any other form of heart-related issue – then they are at a higher risk of having a heart attack.  If there are any of these concerns, then a visit to a heart specialist could be in order.

The symptoms according to any cardiologist can come quickly which doesn’t allow much time to react.  We have listed some of the heart attack warning signs to look out for when it comes to having a heart attack.

Discomfort in the Chest

This doesn’t need to be something that is incredibly painful – at first, it could just be some uncomfortableness in the heart area, or simply just general pain.  The majority of heart attacks involve a level of discomfort in the middle of your chest – that will either last for some time, or else will continue to go away and come back.

Discomfort in your Upper Body

It’s not only pain in your chest that should be cause for concern, but it’s also any discomfort in your upper body. This could be a pain in your arms, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of Breath

If you are having shortness of breath and finding it difficult to breathe – this could be another warning sign.  Your heart’s job is to pump your blood to circulate to your tissues, as well as make sure that there is enough oxygen getting to your lungs. This can also be accompanied by fatigue, where everyday tasks become more strenuous than they were before.

Lightheadedness

This along with dizziness can be a symptom of a heart attack.  It could be that you feel as if you are going to faint or pass out when you stand up or do some exercise.  It could also come with nausea or vomiting.  Small things such as indigestion or heartburn are important to take note of. This isn’t something that you should ignore, it should be considered as a warning sign.

Heart Palpitations

This can manifest itself in different ways.  You will find that there will be a difference in the rhythm of your heart.  You could feel a throbbing, or a pounding as opposed to a steady beat.  It is also often described as a feeling that your heart is pounding or throbbing. This is usually a sign that a heart attack is coming.  This is one of the main conditions that the UK cardiologist at London Heart Clinic specializes in and advises that you should always get checked out. They would provide you with a quick examination and then arrange a number of investigations to determine what’s going on and the next steps.

Sweating

If you aren’t exercising or doing anything overly strenuous and still sweating a lot, then this could be a problem.  If your heart has to pump your blood through an artery that is clogged – which is what may cause the sweating.  Night sweats are often associated with this particularly in women – and it is often mistaken for a menopause symptom.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is a good idea for you to consult a professional.