Heart attack warning signs

Heart attack warning signs => heart attack, referred to as a myocardial infarction in medical terminology, can strike anyone, regardless of age or sex. It occurs when the flow of blood to the heart slows substantially or stops completely. This is usually the result of a blood clot that clogs the artery. Because the heart is unable to receive oxygen and other needed nutrients, it can be become damaged. Left untended for too long, the tissues that make up the heart will begin to atrophy, or die. Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack can help ensure the patient gets prompt medical attention, increasing the odds of survival.

One of the most common heart attack warning signs is chest pain. This is often described as a crushing or squeezing pain in the chest. The pain may radiate around to the back or down the left arm. In some cases, pain may appear in additional areas. These may include the stomach, jaw, shoulder, neck or head.

While this symptom is common in men, it can be milder in women. This often results in delayed treatment. It is not unusual for a woman to find out that what she believed was a prolonged case of indigestion was actually a heart attack..

Someone having a heart attack will often exhibit a change in color They may initially turn a pale color. However, as oxygen decreases, skin tone may become gray or blue. If the skin takes on a bluish tint, these means oxygen supply is dangerously low and must be treated immediately.

Another heart attack warning sign is diaphoresis, or excessive sweating. This may occur even in a cold environment and the individual may complain of chills.

Breathing may also be affected. It is not uncommon to find heart attack patients breathing heavily or gasping for breath. This can be a result of reduced oxygen or panic. The person having the heart attack may feel faint or light-headed. This may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Fatigue and weakness are also common.

In severe cases of heart attack, you may find that the patient's pupils are dilated. They may lose consciousness or their heart may come to a complete halt. These signs indicate a dire emergency and immediate medical assistance is needed. If care is not provided soon enough, the heart attack may result in death.

In general, women tend to experience fewer symptoms than men. The symptoms in women may also be milder. Women often make the mistake of attributing their symptoms to less serious problems such as a stomach bug or heartburn. It is important that any change in the body, no matter how mild, be monitored. If it does worsen, medical assistance should be sought. While it may be nothing, in the case of an actual heart attack, it can mean the difference between life and death.

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