A heart attack is a scary thing. The scariest thing about them is that they don’t always present the same signs and symptoms in everybody who has one. This means that you could be having a heart attack for several minutes before you realize what’s happening. Know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack so you can save your life or that of a loved one. At Champion Heart and Vascular Center, we believe that it’s the job of a cardiologist in Oxford, NC to go beyond treating patients. It’s our job to educate the public regarding health and safety. Read our guide below to learn the signs of silent heart attacks so you can help yourself or someone else.
Chest pain
Chest pain can come in many forms. It can be as severe as the heavy, crushing pressure that you hear about most of the time. Conversely, chest pain associated with a heart attack might be as mild as chest pain associated with heartburn. Be aware that it’s not uncommon for symptoms to go away and come back. Ultimately, you should keep in mind that a medical provider will never fault you for seeking out medical attention for something that presented similarly to a heart attack because it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Body discomfort
Discomfort in other parts of your body isn’t uncommon either. You’ve probably been told that pain in your left arm is a key indicator of a heart attack. Although, this pain can radiate down your right arm as well. Furthermore, pain in your back, neck, jaw, and even stomach can be signs of a heart attack.
Difficulty breathing and dizziness
How well you breathe is directly tied to your heart's ability to pump blood throughout your body. If you feel like you’ve just finished a rigorous exercise but you’ve simply gotten up to get a drink, this is a possible sign of a heart attack.
Similar to difficulty breathing, feelings of being dizzy or fainting are attached to heart attacks as your brain isn’t getting the blood or oxygen that it needs to function. Fainting is a normal response to this because it’s your body trying to position your head below your heart.
Nausea and cold sweats
Nausea and cold sweats are often associated with a bad case of the flu. Although, you can usually tell if what you’re experiencing goes beyond sickness and crosses into a possible heart attack. You can often listen to your body and know when you’re more than sick from what you ate at dinner the night before or have a stomach bug. If you’re worried that you’re experiencing a heart attack, get medical attention right away.
Get medical help immediately
If you or a loved one is currently experiencing these symptoms and is worried about a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately and call 9-1-1. However, if you have concerns that you might be at risk of a heart attack in the future or have experienced one in the past, please come see us at Champion Heart and Vascular Center, and our team of cardiologists in Oxford, NC can help you get your health on track.
Get in touch with one of our clinics today to schedule an appointment. You can reach us by calling our location nearest you or send a message to our staff using our online contact form. We can get you in touch with a clinic nearby to schedule your appointment.
