From the Guidelines
Symptoms of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) include chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes or going away and coming back, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Symptoms
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
Less Typical Symptoms
- Unusual fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Indigestion
- Anxiety, particularly in women
Importance of Prompt Action
If you suspect a heart attack, call emergency services (911) immediately, then chew an aspirin (325 mg) if not allergic and wait for help, as prompt treatment is crucial to minimize heart muscle damage 1.
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Age It is essential to be aware of all possible symptoms, especially in combination, to save lives, and to follow the most recent guidelines for the management of acute myocardial infarction 1.
From the Research
MI Symptoms
- Chest pain, which travels from left arm to neck 2
- Shortness of breath 2
- Sweating 2
- Nausea 2
- Vomiting 2
- Abnormal heart beating 2
- Anxiety 2
- Fatigue 2
- Weakness 2
- Stress 2
- Depression 2
Treatment of MI
- Aspirin to prevent blood from clotting 2, 3
- Nitro-glycerin to treat chest pain and oxygen 2, 3
- Thrombolytic or clot dissolving drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase or urokinase in blood within 3 h of the onset of a heart attack 2
- Painkillers such as morphine or meperidine to relieve pain 2
- Nitroglycerin and antihypertensive drugs such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers to lower blood pressure and to improve the oxygen demand of heart 2, 4, 5
- ECG, coronary angiography and X-ray of heart and blood vessels to observe the narrowing of coronary arteries 2