Early Signs of Heart Attack: When to See a Doctor?

Cardiology | by Dr. Anil Mishra | Published on 14/08/2024

As heart attacks tend to be very sudden and intense and can be fatal, symptoms and signs that are associated with a heart attack should not be taken lightly. If you doubt that your heart’s health is deteriorating and you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned in this article, you should consult the best heart doctor in Kolkata as soon as possible as matters related to the heart should not be taken lightly. This is why you must recognize the signs of a heart attack.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is a condition in which the artery supplying blood and oxygen to the heart becomes blocked for any reason. One of the major reasons for this blockage is the build-up of fatty substances within the heart's arteries, resulting in forming plaques. When plaque ruptures the artery, a blood clot forms and obstructs the artery, leading to a heart attack. Without sufficient blood flow, the heart muscle tissue begins to die.

Heart attack causes

Experts from the best cardiac centre in Kolkata suggest that being overweight, having diabetes, having high cholesterol, or having high blood pressure, are all risk factors. This means if you have any of these morbidities then the chances of you getting a heart attack are more than a person who does not have these problems. Thus, it becomes important to maintain overall health and fitness to take care of the heart properly and reduce the chances of getting heart-related problems.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, you should consult your doctor as prevention is always better than cure. Recognizing these pre-heart attack symptoms at an early age can be a boon and end up saving someone’s life - 

• Chest discomfort: Chest discomfort and pain ought to be the most common symptom of heart-related problems. If you feel pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest for a few minutes you should not take it lightly as it is a sign of a blocked artery or a heart attack. It can happen anytime, whether you are resting or physically active. 
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain: If you experience nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or stomach pain could be because of heart-related issues.
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded: Though one may feel lightheaded because of many reasons, however, if dizziness is experienced with shortness of breath you should call the doctor right away.
• You have started to get exhausted easily: If you get exhausted after doing a physical activity that was not a problem for you earlier, you may be having heart-related problems. 
• Pain that spreads to the arm: Pain that radiates from the chest and spreads down the body, especially towards the arm on the latest side is another classic sign of heart-related problems.
• Cold sweat: Cold sweat for no reason could be a sign you’re experiencing a heart attack and should not be taken lightly and a doctor should be called right away.
• Throat or jaw pain: Throat or jaw pain can happen because of multiple reasons, but if you experience pain that starts from the chest and expands to your throat or jaw then a doctor should be called immediately as you might be experiencing a heart attack.
• Persistent cough: Though this is not very common, it happens when blood is unable to function properly and starts leaking blood into the lungs
• Snoring: Snoring puts extra pressure on the heart and therefore if you snore loudly or gasping for air, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
• Swollen feet, ankles, and legs: When the heart doesn’t pump blood fast enough it gets backed up in the veins, leading to bloating. Also, heart failure makes it difficult for kidneys to function and kidneys become unable to remove excess water and sodium which also leads to bloating.
• Irregular heartbeat: Another sign of a heart attack is an irregular heartbeat that lasts longer than a few seconds and is not because of excitement, nervousness or any other reason.

Heart attack signs in men vs. women

It is commonly perceived that Heart attack is a male health issue, but disproportionately it also affects women. In both men and women, chest pain is the most common sign of a heart attack. In some cases, women experience heart attacks without any pain at all.

Recognizing different symptoms for men and women can help to diagnose and tackle the condition effectively. Common early heart attack symptoms in women include shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the neck. Apart from this, in some cases, digestive issues like an upset stomach can also signal heart-related problems in women.

Remember, these are not the definitive symptoms and they can vary from person to person. After experiencing these signs, you just need to see your doctor and seek immediate medical attention. Early heart attack symptoms detection can help minimise heart damage. 

How to prevent a heart attack?

It is always advisable that early detection and right treatment is key to a happy and healthy heart. Prioritising regular check-ups, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and seeking medical advice if required can help you to achieve a happy heart life. 

In many cases, a pacemaker can significantly improve the life’s quality of heart patients. However, choosing the right doctors is extremely important. If you are planning to get a pacemaker in Kolkata, you should definitely consult an expert today. 

FAQ

What is the first aid for a heart attack?

After having the symptoms of Heart attack, it is advisable to call emergency services immediately. Apart from this, if your doctors advised you, then you can have aspirin, which can help you to get in better condition until help arrives. 

What is the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest?

Heart attack is the condition where blood flow to the heart is blocked and it may damage the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest is the condition where the heart suddenly stops beating, preventing blood flow to the body.

How to reduce chances of heart attack?

For reducing the chances of heart attack, it is essential to maintain a healthy weight, avoid overeating, have a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Apart from this, managing stress, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, controlling BP and cholesterol can also help you in avoiding heart attack. 

Is heart attack genetic?

Yes, Heart attacks can have a genetic component. Due to family history of heart disease, the person also posses the risk of having heart related disease. If you are one of them, work on your diet, exercise, and quit smoking.