Here are some of the most common symptoms of a heart attack:
🤍 Chest pain or discomfort - This is the most common symptom. The pain or discomfort is often described as crushing, pressure, tightness, or feeling like there's an elephant sitting on your chest. It may radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back.
🤍 Shortness of breath - Some people feel very short of breath or like they can't get enough air. This may happen before or along with chest pain.
🤍 Nausea, vomiting, dizziness - These symptoms are more common in women having a heart attack.
🤍 Sweating - Breaking out in a sudden sweat for no clear reason could be a warning sign.
🤍 Anxiety - A sense of dread or feeling that something bad is about to happen sometimes comes before or with a heart attack.
🤍 Pain in other areas - Pain may also occur in one or both arms (more commonly the left arm), the jaw, neck, or upper back.
🤍 Palpitations - Some people notice their heart is racing or beating irregularly shortly before a heart attack.
The symptoms can vary a lot from person to person. The pain and discomfort also may come and go rather than being constant.
Getting medical help right away is crucial if you experience any of these symptoms.
Call 999 immediately if you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack.
Whist waiting for the ambulance, sit the casualty in the W position/ half sitting position, leaning against a piece of furniture with legs raised, feet still on the floor. This is the position that puts least strain on the heart.
If the casualty collapses, check for signs of breathing and if not, start CPR immediately.