How Can I Recognize If I Have A Heart Attack?

Do you have a chest pain or discomfort (uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness) usually in the center or on the left side of your chest that can lasts longer than a few minutes, or it can go away and then return?

Do you feel weakness, lightheadedness or nausea or you have break out into a cold sweat?

Do you have pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or your back?

Do you have pain or discomfort in one or both of your arms or shoulders?

Do you have shortness of breath (the feeling of not being able to breathe normally, you cannot catch your breath) that often can be accompanied by chest discomfort?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to your heart stops due to a blockage in one or more of your coronary arteries. Without oxygen the heart cells begins to die. It is important to emphasize that many people whit heart attack do not experience the exact same symptoms. There are some people that have no symptoms and unfortunately sometimes the first sign can be a sudden cardiac arrest (the loss of heart function). It is vital to know the heart attack signs and if you noticed them call 911 immediately.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a heart attack. A heart attack is a medical emergency; the part of your heart does not get enough of oxygen rich blood due to a blockage in one or more of your coronary arteries. Without oxygen and nutrients the part of your heart muscle will be damaged. If you experience any of heart attack warning signs do not hesitate and call 911 right away. A heart attack can be fatal, so you need to get to the emergency room as soon as possible to start treatment that will reduce the damage to the heart muscle.