1. Chest pain or discomfort

The commonest symptom associated with a heart attack is chest discomfort or pain. This has been described as a sensation of heaviness, pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning sensation in the middle or left side region of the chest. This sensation can last several minutes, or sometimes can and then go away. This type of chest discomfort does not, except under heart conditions, improve with rest or position change, unlike the common type, which hurts because of muscle strain or acid reflux disease.

2. Pain Migrating to Different Regions of the Body

Pain from a heart attack may not always be confined to the chest. Pain can radiate to the left arm, left side of the shoulder, neck, jaw, back, or even the upper abdomen. Many people experience left arm pain or stiffness that progresses upwards. Others experience pain or a toothache related to the jaw. This condition is commonly ignored or dismissed as a dental problem.

3. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is another frequent symptom, and this may occur with or without chest pain. The individual feels abnormally short of breath while at rest or while performing minimal physical activity. This is because the heart fails to pump blood properly, hence resulting in a reduced oxygen supply to the body.

4. Sweating, Nausea,

Cold sweats are another common precursor during a heart attack. In this situation, the person suddenly breaks into profuse sweats without engaging in physical activity. Vomiting, nausea, dizziness, or light-headedness can also be experienced. These symptoms can sometimes be confused with food poisoning, especially if the person is not experiencing chest discomfort.

5. Unusual Fatigue and Weakness

Extreme or inexplicable fatigue could also be an initial symptom, especially in women. Indeed, the individual could find it unusual for them to feel so tired even after undertaking regular daily chores, or they could lack energy for no apparent reason. This kind of fatigue can occur hours or even days before an individual has a heart attack.

6. Symptoms in Women, Elderly, and Diabetic Patients

Heart attack symptoms may differ from person to person. Women may have variant symptoms such as breathlessness, feeling nausea, experiencing back pain, jaw pain, or just feeling too tired to get out of bed. Elderly persons and diabetic individuals are likely to have fewer symptoms or may not experience chest pain at all.

 7. Anxiety or Sense of Impending Doom

Some individuals say they feel sudden anxiety, agitation, or a notion that something is terribly wrong. This symptom, by itself, does not guarantee a heart attack but should not easily be dismissed in the presence of other symptoms.

When You Must Contact a Doctor Instantly

When you or someone around you suffers from chest discomfort, pain radiating to the arm and/or jaw, shortness of breath, cool sweating, and weakness for more than a few minutes, it calls for immediate medical attention. This can help avoid serious damage to the heart muscle.

In Simple Terms

There are Often, a heart attack may not be as dramatic as people think. In fact, the symptoms of a heart attack may often be subtle, unusual, or even resemble normal complaints. Paying attention to your body can make all the difference when it comes to life and death. Identifying these symptoms is among the most vital factors in ensuring that your heart is healthy.