Most people picture someone gripping their chest in agony or experiencing abrupt chest pain when they think of a heart attack. However, not every heart attack actually has the same appearance. Many have subtle or silent warning signs that are simple to miss and can be fatal if ignored.
Everyone should be aware of these five quiet indicators of a heart attack:
- Unusual Exhaustion
Your heart may be having trouble pumping blood effectively if you feel exceedingly exhausted even after getting a full night’s sleep or if you suddenly feel exhausted from routine tasks.
This symptom can manifest days or even weeks before to a heart attack, and it is particularly prevalent in women.
- Breathlessness
Breathing difficulties during rest or light exercise may be a sign that your heart isn’t supplying your body with enough oxygen.
It’s vital to get checked out right away if you get acute dyspnea for no apparent reason.
- Back, neck, or jaw pain
Pain from a heart attack may not always occur in the chest. It can occasionally spread to the shoulders, neck, upper back, or jaw.
People frequently confuse this for muscle soreness, but if it appears quickly, especially without any physical strain, it may be a sign of a heart attack.
- Indigestion or nausea
Before a heart attack, some patients get nausea, stomach pain, or a burning feeling that resembles heartburn.
Your body may be alerting you to cardiac problems if this sensation is sudden, strong, or doesn’t go away with antacids.
- Dizziness and Cold Sweats
Another indication that your heart might be in trouble is breaking out in a cold sweat or feeling dizzy for no apparent reason.
This occurs because when the heart is not working properly, blood flow to the brain decreases.
Concluding Remarks
Dramatic symptoms are not often the first signs of a heart attack. Sometimes the symptoms are subtle—a little weariness here, a little lightheadedness there—but when taken as a whole, they convey a significant message.
Don’t delay if you or someone you know has these symptoms. Make an emergency call or go straight to the hospital. You might even save your own life if you act quickly.