Medical professionals and health enthusiasts have repeatedly said that the heart is one of the most important organs in the body. but, heart disease It remains the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most races and ethnicities. of Indian Heart Association In 2020, heart attacks claimed the lives of 19,238 people between the ages of 30 and 60, and in 2021, 2,541 deaths between the ages of 18 and 30 were reported.
So HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr. Dinesh Raj, Senior Intervention Consultant. cardiologist To understand the first signs and symptoms of a heart attack at HCG Hospital, Rajkot.
“When it comes to heart attacks, the “Hollywood version” of a person clutching their chest and collapsing doesn’t necessarily happen in real life. In fact, many people quit right away. warning sign It’s something minor like indigestion or muscle tension,” Dr. Dinesh emphasized.
Therefore, understanding the first symptoms is crucial because, in the words of cardiologists, “time is of the essence.” The sooner you recognize what’s going on, the more heart tissue you can save.
most common first signs
According to Dr. Dinesh, the first sign for most people is chest discomfort. However, he emphasized that it rarely feels like a sharp stabbing pain. Instead, patients often describe it as:
- A feeling of heavy pressure or pressure (as if there was an “elephant sitting on your chest”).
- I have a dull pain and a feeling of fullness in the center of my chest.
- Discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or that comes and goes.
Discomfort doesn’t necessarily start inside your chest
Cardiologists pointed out that it is a common misconception that heart attacks only affect the chest. Rather, the initial symptoms of a heart attack may actually travel to or appear in other areas due to shared neural pathways. Dr. Dinesh said to be extremely careful if you experience any unexplained discomfort, such as:
- Left arm: This is a typical sign, but it can also occur on both arms.
- Jaw and neck: It is often mistaken for a toothache or sore throat.
- Back: Specifically between the shoulder blades.
Symptoms of “silence”
Finally, Dr. Dinesh emphasized that “women, older adults, and people with diabetes are more likely to experience ‘atypical’ symptoms.” He noted that for these groups, the first sign may not be pain, but rather something like:
- A sudden feeling of extreme fatigue, like running a marathon without stopping.
- Feeling short of breath even without physical exertion.
- Nausea and cold sweats are often mistaken for the flu or food poisoning.
Finally, Dr. Dinesh shared the “golden rule” if you suddenly experience an abnormal sensation from the waist up that feels “wrong.” Calling emergency services immediately is the best way to ensure a positive outcome. ”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.