Q. What are the 4 signs of an impending heart attack after 40?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
It's important to recognize that heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, and they might not always be sudden or dramatic. However, here are four common signs that could indicate an impending heart attack, particularly for individuals over the age of 40:
Chest Discomfort: Many heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
Upper Body Pain: Pain or discomfort might extend beyond the chest to areas like the arms (especially the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or stomach. This pain might feel like a dull ache or intense pressure.
Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless, even if you haven't exerted yourself, could be a sign of a heart attack. You might feel winded or struggle to catch your breath.
Cold Sweats and Nausea: Profuse sweating, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, can occur before or during a heart attack.
It's worth noting that women might experience heart attack symptoms differently than men. Some women might not have the classic chest pain but might instead have symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, back or jaw pain, or unusual fatigue.