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Heart Attack Symptoms

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, can happen to both men and women. It is important to know and recognize the symptoms of a heart attack in order to receive prompt medical attention. The sooner treatment is received, the more likely your are to survive. Although not everyone has the same symptoms, the following are some of the most common pre-cursors to a heart attack.

Heart Palpitations

You may feel your heart beat rapidly, or feel that your heart skipping beats. Some experience a heavy pounding sensation known as palpitations. Also, blood abnormalities due to irregular heart beat cause the body to release chemicals called catecholamines.

Chest Pain
Chest discomfort is perpetrated by decreased blood flow to your heart. Many people who have experienced a heart attack, state they had a heavy, tight feeling  in their chest. Others say it felt numb. It is important to discern whether this feeling is due to simple heart burn because of food, or an actual heart attack.Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath that is not associated with exercise or extreme physical work is a very common heart attack symptom. This happens when heart damage decreases output in the left ventricle. The end result is pulmonary edema which is the primary symptom of shortness of breath.

Fainting

Weakness and light-headedness , may be symptoms of a heart attack. Since blood transports oxygen, a lack therof causes less blood to reach the brain and other vital organs.

Nausea

Lastly, nausea or a sick feeling in the stomach can signal a heart attack. Many victims feel like vomiting due to the release of  catecholamines from the damaged heart.