Is Chest Pain Always a Heart Attack? A Cardiologist Teaches You to Spot the Signs
As a cardiologist, I often stress to patients that treating acute myocardial infarction is a race against time. The sooner a blocked vessel is reopened, the more heart muscle can be saved. But in reality, many people miss the most precious window for treatment because they don't recognize the signs of a heart attack, hesitate, or try to handle it themselves.
lightbulbKey takeaways
- ✓A typical heart attack is persistent chest pain that can radiate to the shoulder, arm, neck and back
- ✓Older adults, people with diabetes and women may present atypically
- ✓If you suspect a heart attack, call emergency services immediately and rest in place
- ✓Controlling the "three highs," quitting smoking and regular exercise are the foundation of prevention
Typical and atypical signals
A typical heart attack presents as crushing, pressing pain behind the breastbone or in the precordial area that can persist without easing, possibly radiating to the left shoulder and arm, neck, jaw or back, often with sweating, nausea and a sense of impending doom.
But there are also many atypical presentations, especially in older adults, people with diabetes and women, which may show only as upper abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue or toothache, and are easily overlooked or mistaken for something minor.
What to do if you suspect a heart attack
Once you suspect a heart attack, the most important thing is to call emergency services as soon as possible, rest where you are, avoid activity and wait for professional help, rather than driving yourself to the hospital or toughing it out. Time is muscle; time is life.
Don't blindly take medication or try so-called "first-aid folk remedies" circulating online. Whether and how to medicate should follow the guidance of emergency responders and doctors.
Prevention beats rescue
Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids, quitting smoking, and keeping a regular routine and exercise are the foundation of preventing coronary heart disease and heart attack. Those with underlying cardiovascular disease should follow proper treatment and have regular checkups.
Knowing your own risk, recognizing warning signs, and having family who know how to respond means more composure and a better chance at the critical moment.
This article is for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If you feel unwell, please seek medical care promptly.