Q. Are there any warning signs or early symptoms of myocardial infarction that I should be aware of?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
1. Chest Discomfort: One of the most typical signs is chest pain or discomfort, often described as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the chest. It may last for several minutes or go away and return.
2. Pain Radiating to Other Areas: The pain associated with MI can radiate to the arms (usually the left arm), neck, jaw, back, or stomach. It's not limited to the chest area.
3. Shortness of Breath: You may experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, often accompanied by chest discomfort. It can happen with or without chest pain.
4. Profuse Sweating: Unexplained and sudden sweating, sometimes described as "cold sweats," can be a sign of an impending heart attack.
5. Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals may feel nauseated, and vomiting may occur. These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion.
6. Light-headedness or Dizziness: Feeling light-headed or dizzy without an obvious cause could be a warning sign. It might be accompanied by other symptoms.
7. Unexplained Fatigue: Sudden and extreme fatigue, especially when it's unrelated to physical exertion or lack of sleep, can be a symptom.
8. Anxiety and Restlessness: Some people experience feelings of anxiety, restlessness, or a sense of impending doom before or during a heart attack.
It's important to note that not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and symptoms can vary in intensity. Women, in particular, may have atypical symptoms like back pain, jaw pain, or profound fatigue.