Can you spot the signs of a heart attack?
More than 16,000 Canadians die as the result of a heart attack every year. Get to know the symptoms and the warning signs
In the past, it was believed women and men had different warning signs, but this may not be the case. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada says the most common symptoms of a heart attack for both men and women include:
• Pain in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, arms or back, that doesn’t go away with rest. Chest discomfort or pain brought on by exertion, but which doesn’t go away with rest, may also be a sign. Pain can feel like a squeezing, burning, heaviness, tightness or pressure, but women may describe pain differently than men.
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea—Also indigestion, vomiting
• Sweating or cool, clammy skin
• Fear—Anxiety, denial
This article was originally titled "On a Mission" in the January/February 2011 issue of Best Health. Subscribe today and never miss an issue!
Best Health Magazine, January/February 2011
Having a heart attack is not always a painfull experience. I have had two, the first one gave me a feeling of wieght on my chest and a hard time getting my breath.
I thought i had a bit of a chest cold and called my familey doc. for a visit, it was his advice that sent me to ER and 14 days in the ICU....thanks doc.
I've had a heart attact and one of the first symptoms is not being able to walk a short distance on a cold day. blood vessels constricting
Last Friday while on a long business trip, driving over 2,000 Km's in 3 days, I have a bad pain in the chest area for 3 hrs., I really didn't think much was wrong, so I continued home.
I saw my GP this Thursday and she told me that I most likely had a heart aatack. I will be seeing my Cardio Doc., this Thursday, as my GP., says I wasn't helping my self as I have been operated on before for a double by pass. I guess I should have stopped and taken my Nitro, I just didn't think this was a heart attack happening, all turned out well for now.
I have had one, and the 'easiest' symptom to disregard is the feeling of 'gas'!
Gas occurs all the time, and we have an 'ability' to dismiss it as, 'Oh, I shouldn't have drank and eaten so much last night'! In my case it was gas that was NOT out if the ordinary, but was 'constant'! If you have 'gas' that remains CONSTANT for any length of time, GET TO A HOSPITAL! In my case, it was a CONSTANT 'pressure' at the top of the rib cage!.
People will say, "Oh, its only gas, why should I waste hours in the E/R for nothing'?
If you want to stay alive!, WASTE the time!!!!