A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a critical medical condition that arises when blood flow to the heart is obstructed. This lack of blood flow causes the heart tissue to be deprived of oxygen, impairing the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body. As a result, a person may experience symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, and dizziness.
In most cases, heart attacks are caused by a buildup of plaque—mainly cholesterol—within the coronary arteries, a condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD). While many individuals notice symptoms during a heart attack, it is also possible for some people to have no symptoms at all. This occurrence is referred to as a silent heart attack.
If you or someone you know starts showing signs of a heart attack, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention. Delaying treatment can result in severe complications or even death. Understanding these signs can make a life-saving difference.
Chest Pain
chest pain is the most common and recognized symptom of a heart attack.
It may feel like squeezing, pressure, or tightness in the chest and can last from a few minutes to several hours. People often describe it as a dull ache, a throbbing pain, or a sudden, intense pressure. Pain typically occurs in the center or left side of the chest.
However, not all chest pain indicates a heart attack. It can also be caused by muscle strain, acid reflux, or panic attacks. If chest pain persists longer than a few minutes, especially if you have a heart condition, do not delay seeking medical help.
Shortness of Breath
shortness of breath can occur with or without chest pain.
In some cases, it is the only symptom a person might have during a heart attack. This symptom can make simple tasks like walking or having a conversation difficult. You may feel winded even when resting.
While this symptom can also result from physical exertion, anxiety, or respiratory conditions like asthma, persistent shortness of breath that doesn’t resolve with rest should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Upper Body Discomfort
pain outside of the chest can also be a warning sign of a heart attack.
Discomfort may appear in the arms, neck, back, jaw, or stomach. It is not always experienced in all of these areas at once and may come and go.
Some researchers suggest this type of pain may be linked to how the vagus nerve communicates between the heart and brain. Since areas like the arms, neck, and stomach are close to the heart, discomfort there might be referred pain during a heart event.
Cold Sweats
experiencing cold sweats without a fever can be another sign.
This symptom can occur when you suddenly break out into a cold, clammy sweat, even while at rest. It may be due to the activation of the body’s fight-or-flight response, which interprets the event as a threat or illness.
Although cold sweats can also happen due to exercise, low blood sugar, or extreme stress, they should be taken seriously if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or nausea.
Nausea
nausea and vomiting may accompany a heart attack.
Many people feel sick to their stomach, and in some cases, may vomit during a cardiac event.
While nausea on its own may be caused by a range of conditions—from migraines to indigestion to pregnancy—it can still be a warning sign of a heart attack, especially in women, who may experience this as their primary symptom.
Lightheadedness
feeling faint or dizzy can occur during a heart attack.
Though not as common as chest pain, this symptom is serious and shouldn’t be overlooked. Lightheadedness may signal insufficient blood flow to the brain, possibly due to a heart issue.
Conditions such as cardiomyopathy—a weakening of the heart muscle—or atrial fibrillation—a type of irregular heart rhythm—can also produce similar symptoms and should be evaluated promptly.
Symptoms in Women
women often experience different heart attack symptoms than men.
Although chest pain is still the most reported symptom among all genders, women are more likely to report pain in both arms, back pain, intense fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, and flu-like symptoms.
Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently misattributed to anxiety or stress, leading to delays in medical care. Studies show that women may receive less timely and effective treatment compared to men when it comes to heart-related emergencies.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
seek immediate medical care if you suspect a heart attack.
Heart attack symptoms vary widely from person to person. However, any chest pain, difficulty breathing, or the presence of multiple symptoms should prompt a visit to the emergency room or a call to emergency services.
Early treatment is crucial. Delaying care can result in severe complications, including death.
A Quick Review
Heart attack symptoms can be subtle or intense and look different for everyone. Chest pain and shortness of breath are hallmark signs, but symptoms like nausea, dizziness, upper body discomfort, and cold sweats also occur frequently.
Always remember: a heart attack is a medical emergency. Quick action—calling 911 or visiting an emergency department—can save a life. Early recognition and response are vital to improving outcomes and recovery.
