It's important for everyone to know the symptoms of a heart attack. Medically, this condition is called acute coronary syndrome, which occurs when the heart muscle has difficulty receiving blood flow, disrupting its function. This condition is called a myocardial infarction and can be fatal. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:
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1. Chest Discomfort
The first and most common symptom is discomfort in the chest area. Usually, sufferers will feel a pinching, pressure, or burning sensation. This symptom appears suddenly, either during strenuous activity or while relaxing. If discomfort persists, try applying pressure to the area where the pain occurs. If it resolves, it's likely not a heart condition.
2. Chest pain spreading to the arm
Another symptom of a heart attack is pain that moves from the chest to the arm, shoulder, and stomach. This pain typically lasts for about 20 minutes. You can try to relieve the pain by resting, taking medication, and calming yourself. If the pain persists, go to the nearest hospital immediately for further treatment.
3. Chest pain that spreads to the upper body
Heart attack symptoms can also be characterized by pain in the chest and above, especially in the throat or jaw. Some people think this symptom is just a cold or sinus infection, but if the pain starts in the chest and spreads to the upper part, you should be alert, as the spreading pain could be a sign of a heart attack. Go to the hospital immediately for further intensive treatment.
4. Irregular Heartbeat & Palpitations
Another symptom of a heart attack is an irregular heartbeat. Sometimes it's fast, but often it slows down without any activity that could cause the rhythm to change. If necessary, use a heart rate monitor to determine your heart rate per second.
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5. Stomach pain and digestive problems
This condition is very similar to indigestion, which can cause a burning sensation in the stomach and chest. If the burning sensation spreads to the chest, you should immediately contact a hospital or the nearest medical facility for further treatment and remain calm.
6. Headache
Other symptoms of a heart attack include dizziness and weakness. This is caused by the heart having difficulty pumping blood, which restricts blood flow to the head. If the dizziness is accompanied by chest discomfort, the first step is to rest for a while, take medication, and calm down.
7. Easily Tired
If you tire easily even though you haven't done any heavy work, it could be because your heart is having difficulty pumping blood and oxygen throughout your body, making you vulnerable to heart attacks.
8. Snoring in Sleep
Snoring while sleeping is one of the symptoms of a heart attack. While snoring is a normal part of the body, if it becomes louder, especially at night, and continues to the point of gasping for breath or choking, it could be a sign of a heart attack.
9. Cold Sweat
Cold sweats can occur due to many things, but if your cold sweats are accompanied by discomfort in the chest or neck, you need to immediately evaluate your health at the nearest medical service.
10. Coughing for a Long Time
Just like snoring and cold sweats, coughing can also be caused by conditions other than a heart attack. However, if the cough persists for 3-4 months and is accompanied by white mucus, this is considered a symptom of a heart attack.
This condition is caused by the heart having difficulty pumping blood, causing leakage into the lungs, leading to a long-term, difficult-to-treat cough.
11. Swollen Feet
The legs will swell during a heart attack because the heart has difficulty pumping blood, which backs up into the blood vessels. This condition impedes kidney function, making it difficult to remove water and sodium from the body, leading to fluid buildup in the lower legs.
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12. Choking
Choking can be categorized as a symptom of a heart attack if it is accompanied by pain or discomfort in the chest to the neck.
13. Not feeling well
This condition is generally caused by nausea in the body without any clear cause.
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Heart attack symptoms can manifest as a variety of conditions, often mild and easily overlooked. If you experience early symptoms, seek immediate medical attention at a cardiac specialist, such as the Bunda Heart Center at Bunda Hospital Jakarta. Find out the doctor's schedule at Bunda Group Hospitals near you and book your appointment here. Also, visit our information page for more information about our other healthcare services.