A heart attack can be fatal. The condition is caused by a lack of blood and oxygen reaching the heart muscle. How can your pain sensors signal you’re in danger?
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) clarifies the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest.
The former, a heart attack, is what some people confuse as the heart-wrenching, drop-to-the-floor moment played out in films.
However, a heart attack can be much more subtle than this.
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In fact, it’s not unusual for people to completely dismiss their heart attack as indigestion.
A cardiac arrest is more fitting to the film depiction of a heart attack.
During a cardiac arrest, the person will be unconscious and not breathing.
This happens when the heart has stopped pumping blood around the body.
Both a heart attack and cardiac arrest are medical emergencies.
It’s important to notice the subtle signs of a heart attack as it can lead to a cardiac arrest.
One such symptom to take note of is where you feel pain in your body.
Typically, chest pain radiates to your left arm.
The painful sensation can even travel to your right arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
The chest discomfort associated with a heart attack is described by the BHF as “pressure, squeezing or heaviness in your chest”.
It’s a feeling that comes out of the blue and doesn’t go away.
Other common symptoms of a heart attack include feeling sick, sweaty, light-headed or short of breath.
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Heart attack symptoms can persist over days, or they can come on suddenly and unexpectedly.
The BHF notes: “It’s a common misconception that men and women experience different symptoms when having a heart attack.”
Symptoms tend to vary from person to person, and one gender doesn’t get any more or less symptoms than the other sex.
Recommendation from the BHF is to take aspirin – if it’s available within arm’s reach – if you feel you’re having a heart attack.
The charity suggests to stay calm, call 999 and wait for the paramedics.
Sometimes, a condition called angina may be the reason behind chest pain.
This is caused by coronary heart disease. It’s still a good idea to report any chest pain to your doctor.
That way, you and health professionals can keep a close eye on your health.
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