A heart attack is something you would not wish even on your enemy. We all hear of people dying of heart attacks everyday but how many of us are even aware of the subtle symptoms of a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart stops or slows down due to some blockage in the arteries. If the blockage is not restored, sections of the heart muscle begin to die and this leads to a complete cardiac arrest.

Causes Of A Heart Attack

The chance of a heart attack in high amongst people who suffer from CHD or coronary heart disease. This is a condition in which a waxy substance called as plaque gets deposited in the arteries. This leads to constriction of the blood vessels and a partial or complete blockage. This happens so gradually that the person does not even come to know.

CHD has now become a lifestyle disease. People who are sedentary and have unhealthy eating habits are predisposed to developing CHD. Knowing the signs of a heart attack and responding to them in a timely manner can save the life of a loved one. We will now explore the common signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

Symptoms Of A Heart Attack

Chest Pain

Photo Credit: Prevent-stroke-and-heart-attack.com/heart-attack-symptoms-for-women.html

The most obvious symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. The pain is felt on the left side of the chest. The person complains of an uncomfortable pain or squeezing sensation in the chest. There is undue pressure. The pain can come and go or subside immediately. Not all chest pains lead to a full-blown heart attack but knowing these subtle symptoms can cause you to be alert to the possible occurrence of a heart attack.

Upper Body Discomfort

At times, the pain in the chest radiates to the other parts of the upper body like the neck, jaw, arms. The person may feel a sudden tightness and constriction of muscles.

Difficulties In Breathing

The person may begin to palpitate and may find it difficult to breathe. The breath becomes short and the person may start to gasp for air. This generally happens as a precursor to a full-blown heart attack.

Nausea

Photo Credit: Breastcancerinformationhelp.com/chemotherapy_nausea.html

Some people complain of digestive trouble. Acidity, heartburn and nausea are all subtle symptoms of a heart attack.

Dizziness

Disorientation and dizziness may occur in people who have suffered from a heart attack. The person may fall or even break out in a cold sweat.

Blurring Of Vision

A sudden heart attack may cause vision disturbances. The person may start to complain of distorted and blurred vision. These symptoms occur when the blood supply to the heart and the other parts of the body begin to get cut off.

Speech Difficulties

Patients are also known to suffer from speech difficulties. They appear confused and slur while speaking. Sentence formation is garbled and the person may find it difficult to comprehend what you are saying.

Headaches

Photo Credit: Remediespoint.com/disease-conditions/nausea-and-vomiting.html

Headaches could be an impending sign of a heart attack especially if chest pain and some of the other signs of a heart attack follow them. Now that you know the common signs of a heart attack, be alert to these signs especially if someone in your family has a history of heart disease. You could save a life.

Photo Credit: Attackbitpress.com/signs-of-heart-attacks-in-women