Ten Signs of a Heart Attack

The Chris McKay Radio Show

If you were having a heart attack, would you know? Not all heart problems come with clear warning signs. You may not feel that alarming chest pain prior to clutching your chest and falling to the floor. Some symptoms occur in the days leading up to a heart attack, while some don’t even happen in your chest. It’s not always easy to know what’s happening, but here are ten signs of a heart attack:

1. Coughing – Frequent coughing fits combined with wheezing can be an indicator of heart failure. You may also experience bloody phlegm when you cough.
2. Restrictive Feelings – The feeling of being suffocated or having your upper torso squeeze tightly is a common symptom of a heart attack.
3. Jaw Pain – Pain in the lower jaw is a common symptom of a heart attack. Try moving your jaw around. If the pain worsens due to movement than it’s probably due to joint pain, not heart related. However if you move it around and there is no change to the pain and it’s also accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating and discomfort in your body then seek help.
4. Dizziness – Heart attacks often start with dizziness and the feeling of being lightheaded. You may not associate these feelings with heart attack because you’re expecting more dramatic symptoms.
5. Shortness of Breath – This is a sign that your heart is in distress. It may not be a heart attack, but no matter what if you’re suddenly short of breath, you should seek help.
6. Racing Heart – If your heart is struggling and needs to work overtime it will begin to race, which is a good indication that something may be wrong.
7. Indigestion – This isn’t a common symptom and most people don’t know that it can be connected to a heart attack. Indigestion alone obviously doesn’t lead to heart attack, but if it’s accompanied by pain, nausea and shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention.
8. Fatigue – We’re not talking about generally feeling tired. But rather fatigue that comes on suddenly and for no apparent reason. It may come right away or a few days prior to your heart attack. If may also arrive with chest or jaw pain. If you experience unexplained exhaustion contact your doctor.
9. Profuse Sweating – If you start sweating profusely and you’re not hot and didn’t just finish a workout and it starts soaking through your clothes, your heart might be in distress and you could need help – especially if you begin looking pale.
10. Chest Pain/Pressure – This is the most obvious. Any pain or pressure in the chest that goes on for longer than a minute is cause for concern, especially if sitting down or resting doesn’t make it go away. Don’t delay in getting help.