Cardiologist explains how to recognize heart attack in its early stages
The doctor listed the symptoms of a heart attack (Illustrative photo: freepik.com)
Myocardial infarction is damage to the heart muscle caused by an acute disruption of its blood supply. As a result, the affected part of the muscle dies, developing necrosis.
Cardiologist and therapist with over 25 years of experience, PhD Elena Solomko, explained how to recognize the danger at an early stage.
How to recognize a heart attack
The doctor advises calling emergency services immediately if you experience a sudden onset of chest discomfort, especially a pressing pain behind the sternum or an uncomfortable sensation of tightness.
"There may also be pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Sudden shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or dizziness can also be symptoms of a heart attack (acute coronary syndrome)," the cardiologist explained.
"Unfortunately, it’s important to remember that heart attacks can sometimes present with mild or atypical symptoms. Therefore, if you experience unusual symptoms or a sudden deterioration in well-being, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly and undergo an examination," she added.
Symptoms of a heart attack
Signs of a heart attack include pain (a sensation of heaviness, pressure, or burning) that:
- occurs due to physical exertion or an increase in heart rate;
- is located behind the sternum and/or on the left side of the chest;
- may radiate to the left arm, under the shoulder blade, lower jaw, or neck (though not in all cases);
- subsides within 2-3 minutes after stopping physical activity or taking nitroglycerin.
If you experience even one of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. A heart attack lasting more than 15-20 minutes can develop into a myocardial infarction.
Incidentally, the doctor highlighted some subtle causes of heart disease that often go unnoticed.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
