In continuation of the analysis of chest pain and its contrast with heart attack, chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack and also of many other causes, which were discussed in the last episode. But it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention for any chest pain that feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing. A heart attack, when it occurs, often involves chest pain lasting more than 15 minutes, with or without pain radiating to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper belly. Other of heart attack symptoms can include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, light-headedness, or feeling unusually tired, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines.
Heart Attack Symptoms broadly:
Chest pain, also known as angina, is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, according to the NIH. It’s a common symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), where plaque build-up narrows the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Angina can feel like pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest, and may radiate to the neck, shoulders, arms, or back. This is also a common symptom of a heart attack. It may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or aching in the chest, often on the left side. At times, people fail to give importance to these indications.
Seek Medical Attention:
When the pain radiates to other areas of the body, including the left arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper belly in addition to symptoms include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, light-headedness, or feeling unusually tired, chest pain lasts longer than 15 minutes or worsens, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest hospital.
Other Causes of Chest Pain:
While chest pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, it can also be caused by other conditions, such as acid reflux. Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), often more pronounced when lying down or bending over muscle strain, or a panic attack. It’s important to differentiate between these conditions and seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause of chest pain. In our medical practice, we encounter many educated and even doctors who neglect the chest pain and heartburn burn thinking this is due to indigestion, gastric problems, or gas problems in the stomach, swallowing antacid tablets, and delay in consulting a cardiologist thereby severe damage to the heart muscle and other complications are arising.
Chest pain: A heart attack or something else?
When is chest pain serious? That dull burning feeling in the chest doesn’t seem to be going away, and even feels like it is getting worse, then it’s a vexing question, whether it is a heart attack, or something else? One that millions of people and their doctors face each year. What’s the problem? Chest pain can stem from dozens of conditions besides heart attack, pneumonia or panic attack, or pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is the swelling (inflammation) of the pancreas. This may happen when digestive juices or enzymes attack the pancreas. The pancreas lies behind the stomach on the left side of the belly. It’s close to the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). The pancreas is a gland. Symptoms of pancreatitis may vary. Acute pancreatitis symptoms may include pain in the upper belly that radiates to the back.
Heart attacks are becoming increasingly prevalent, with studies showing a rise in cases among younger individuals, including those in their 30s and 40s. In 2024, there were more than 32,457 deaths due to heart attacks in India, a 12.5% increase from the previous year.
Millions of Americans with chest pain are seen in hospital emergency departments every year. Only 20% of them are diagnosed with a heart attack or an episode of unstable angina, a warning sign that a heart attack may happen soon. A few have another potentially life-threatening problem, such as pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs) or aortic dissection (a tear in the inner layer of the aorta). Some are experiencing “regular” angina, which occurs when part of the heart isn’t getting as much oxygen-rich blood as it needs during periods of physical exertion or emotional stress. The other tricky problem with heart attacks is that different people experience them in different ways. Some have classic chest pain. Others have jaw pain or back pain. Still others become breathless, or extremely fatigued, or nauseated.
Early warning signs of a heart attack can appear weeks or even months before a full-blown event. These can include persistent or recurring chest pain, difficulty breathing, unusual fatigue, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, pain radiating to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach, and frequent dizziness or light-headedness.
The early warning sign is chest pain or discomfort, which is the most well-known sign, but it can vary. It might feel like pressure, squeezing, tightness, aching, or burning. The pain can come and go or be persistent. To some people, pain or discomfort can radiate to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, or even the upper belly. Shortness of breath, otherwise difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially with exertion, is a common symptom. Unusual and persistent fatigue, even with minimal activity, is another warning sign. Feeling sick to the stomach or experiencing indigestion can be part of the heart attack experience. Also, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, especially if it’s sudden or unexplained, can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the brain. Sudden cold sweat or clammy skin can accompany a heart attack. In many cases an overwhelming feeling of anxiety, fear or a sense of impending doom can be a symptom.
Irregular Heartbeats and Palpitations are also seen. Palpitations are sensations of a heart beating too fast, irregularly, or with a forceful, skipping, or fluttering sensation. Some individuals may experience palpitations or irregular heartbeats in the days leading up to a heart attack.
They are often harmless, but can sometimes indicate a more serious heart condition.
The important consideration is that not all symptoms are always heart attack-related. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s crucial to consult a specialist or a cardiologist for an accurate diagnosis and management. Women are more likely to experience less-obvious symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and back, shoulder, or abdominal pain. They may also be less likely to experience the classic chest pain in the centre of the chest. It is always important to consider all symptoms seriously. Even if symptoms seem mild or go away, prompt medical advice is necessary. Quick medical care can significantly reduce damage to the heart.
Early detection and treatment are crucial.
Lifestyle Changes:
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of a heart attack. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing stress. According to the W.H.O., a daily 35-40 minute walk at least five days in a week would increase blood circulation and help individuals to have better health.
