Is it a Heart Attack?

Am I having a heart attack? Hopefully if you are reading this, you are reading for educational purposes. If you even have the slightest idea that you are or may be having a heart attack, you should call 911 right now or have someone transport you to the emergency room this instant. Do not try to drive yourself if you feel you may be having a heart attack. Below I am going to discuss some of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Remember, this is just a small article to get you started on your quest for more information regarding heart attacks. Discuss the signs and symptoms further with your physician.

Having a heart attack is not necessarily like what you see in the movie. Most of those who have experienced a heart attack do not mention clutching their chest with one hand and the other in the air shouting "I'm comin' to see you Lizbeth!" Although the Sanford and Son version of a heart attack is not accurate, it isn't completely exaggerated. Often times when someone is having or about to have a heart attack, they feel chest discomfort and may clutch at their chest instinctively.

Heart attacks are not always fast and sudden. Sometimes a heart attack begins kind of slow and builds its way up to being more serious. That is why it is very important to pay attention and listen to your body. Our bodies often try to tell us something is wrong and give us some time to do something about it. Do not avoid symptoms of chest pain.

Some common signs of impending heart attack may be discomfort of pain in the chest. Many heart attack survivors mention they had pain in the center of their chest that would last for several minutes and then stop only to start again a few moments later. The pain could possibly be tightening of the chest, pressure in the chest, or possibly fullness in the chest feelings. Your heart is connected to every other part of your body in some way. So, if you are having a heart attack, your heart may not be the only part of your body that will experience the pain.

You may feel some pain or some discomfort in both or only one of your arms, your neck, jaw, back, and stomach. It is not unlikely that you may vomit due to the nausea that has built up. Feeling light headed, having shortness of breath, or having cold sweats can also be signs and symptoms of having a heart attack or that a heart attack is imminent. These are obvious indicators that you should seek medical attention quickly.

Signs and symptoms of heart attack can vary from gender to gender. Read Heart Attack Symptoms by Gender to find out the differences.