Can you survive a heart attack? Know what the signs and symptoms are and what to do in the event of a heart attack.
Most people believe severe chest pain is the only symptom of a heart attack but the warning signs can be much more
subtle. Many patients are surprised to learn they have had a previous heart attack because they did not experience
chest pain. These types of heart attacks are called "silent heart attacks". Knowing the warning signs and seeking help
immediately could save your life.
CHEST PAIN OR DISCOMFORT
Chest pain is the most reported symptom of a heart attack. Chest pains can range from a feeling of heaviness to severe
and unrelenting pain. The pain can also present as feeling like pressure, as though there is a weight on the chest. A
feeling of constriction around the chest may feel like a tight girdle or belt is present and may be tightening. The pain may
also be minimal but uncomfortable. Doctors stress that if you experience chest pain that lasts for more than a few
minutes or goes away then returns, you must seek medical attention immediately, every minute counts.
UPPER BODY PAIN
Heart attacks can also cause pain in the upper body as well as chest pain. Upper back pain or pain in either arm can
indicate a heart attack. Pain in the neck or jaw can also indicate a heart attack; this is called "referred pain" which can
radiate from the chest to any part of the upper body.
SWEATING
Sweating is a common sign of heart attack and is described as a cold sweat. This sweating is not from physical exercise
but from the exertion the body is going through to survive. If you experience sweating without physical exercise, doctors
advise that medical help should be sought immediately.
NAUSEA
Many heart attack patients experience nausea, with or without vomiting. The patients usually have a feeling of being
unwell and may or may not have chest pain. This unwell feeling can also be accompanied by a feeling of weakness or
becoming lightheaded.
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
Some heart attack patients may experience shortness of breath, regardless of the type of pain they are experiencing.
This shortness of breath is not the type experienced by heavy physical exertion, but is more a feeling of not being able to
fully breathe in and out; a feeling they cannot get enough air. If a heart attack patient experiences shortness of breath, it
is important to remain as calm as possible, panic will only cause it to worsen. Any episode of shortness of breath
without exertion needs medical attention immediately.
HEART ATTACK SURVIVAL
The single most important factor that determines survival of a heart attack is time. It is urgent that anyone experiencing a
heart attack get immediate medical help. Doctors and surgeons greatly prefer that the patient call 911 or emergency
medical services and not try to get to the hospital themselves. The EMS services have life saving drugs and pain
medication on hand. EMS also has a defibrillator in case your heart stops and needs shocked back. Oxygen is also
available with the emergency medical services. Pain medications and oxygen are not just comfort measures but can
save your life. The EMS most likely has communications with the emergency room allowing the emergency room to get
ready for your arrival. If the emergency medical service is not available where you are, have someone else drive you to
the hospital, do not drive yourself unless there is absolutely no alternative.
The new clot busting drugs if given within the first few hours of a heart attack greatly enhance the chance for survival.
All heart attacks are now treated in the hospital with aspirin immediately. Aspirin helps to thin the blood which helps the
circulation and minimizes damage from heart attacks. Doctors prefer the heart attack patient be given aspirin on arrival
at the hospital but concede that a patient can take aspirin on their own if arrival at a hospital will be delayed. If your
arrival at the hospital will be delayed, doctors recommend chewing one full strength aspirin or two baby aspirins. You
must tell the doctors upon arrival at the hospital if you have taken aspirin and how much you have taken so they can
adjust any medications.
Heart attacks are scary but do not have to be fatal. Know your risk factors and adjust your lifestyle if necessary.
Preplan for any medical emergency if possible. Time is of the essence during a heart attack. The clot busting drugs are
effective for only the first few hours after a heart attack. Many people avoid medical help because they refuse to believe
it is happening to them or they just don't want to cause a fuss. Many people think a heart attack means severe chest
pain and they tend to ignore other symptoms. A hospital visit for a false alarm will be much easier on your loved ones than the alternative.
