Uncommon Symptoms of Heart Attack

Posted On: September 29, 2023

It’s true that heart attacks are becoming increasingly common in India, and it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms. In addition to regular cardiac screenings, monitoring your cholesterol and blood sugar levels can help you stay on top of your heart health and prevent a life-threatening event.

Cardiovascular diseases pose a major life threat to not just people above the age of 50 but also to the youngsters of our country. As per a WHO report, India accounts for about one-fifth of the 17.9 million deaths caused by heart attacks globally.

While chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack, it’s not the only one. In addition to chest pain, you might experience discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. You could also feel shortness of breath, cold sweats, light-headedness, or even nausea. Also, women may sometimes have atypical symptoms like sleep disorders and fatigue for many months before a heart attack.

It’s absolutely crucial to recognize that early intervention can be a lifesaver. Let’s understand in detail the lesser-known symptoms of a heart attack that can help you identify the early warning signs and seek medical attention to avoid any casualties.

1. Anxiety

While anxiety or panic attacks may not directly cause a heart attack, they can be symptoms of a heart attack. When one experiences rapid heart rate (tachycardia) along with increased blood pressure, it is a sign to be alert. Anxiety puts extra strain on the heart and can cause breathlessness. It is important to consult the best cardiac hospital and seek professional help for timely intervention.

2. Sleep Problems

In comparison to men, sleep disturbance has been described as one of the symptoms by women prior to a heart attack. When one doesn’t get good sleep, it adversely affects the level of oxygen supply to your body and can result in increased blood pressure and a heart attack. So, it’s important to sleep for 7 to 9 hours each night and give your heart some peace!

3. Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the symptoms of a heart attack. If you find yourself feeling exhausted after your usual workout, suffer from fatigue without any physical exertion, or experience sleep disruptions despite feeling exceptionally tired, it might be a sign of heart attack.

Fatigue can be caused by the extra stress on your heart as it tries to pump blood while an area of blood flow is blocked. Fatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women than men and may begin months before a heart attack.

4. Indigestion, Nausea or Vomiting

If you are feeling a burning sensation in your chest, along with bloating, belching, and gas, it is important to note that these are signs of a heart attack, though less common. These symptoms could be related to a heart attack rather than your food intake. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention from a heart specialist doctor in India, as early intervention can help prevent further damage to the heart and improve your chances of recovery.

5. Pain or Tightness in the Arm, Neck, Shoulder, Jaw and Back

During a heart attack, pain originating from the chest can radiate to other parts of the upper body, such as the left arm, neck, shoulder, and back. This pain is often described as pressure, heaviness, or tightness. Additional symptoms that may accompany this discomfort include cold sweats, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult the cardiac surgeon in Ahmedabad for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

It’s important to recognize these early warning signs and seek medical treatment immediately if you experience any of them. Shalby, one of the best heart hospitals in Ahmedabad, provides expert care if you are experiencing any symptoms of a heart attack.

Shalby Hospitals, one of the leading multi-specialty hospital chains in India, has been dedicated to providing the comprehensive cardiac care to its patients with expert cardiologists and cutting-edge facilities.