Unexpected symptoms may signal heart attack, cardiologist warns

Heart attacks do not always start with severe chest pain; in some cases, the condition may present with unusual symptoms that can be difficult for individuals to associate with a heart issue.

According to Life.ru, cardiologist Andrey Kondrakhin explained that the classic symptoms of a heart attack include sharp, pressing, or stabbing pain in the chest area, which may be intense and persistent, not relieved by changing body position. This pain can be accompanied by cold sweats, a general feeling of malaise, and difficulty or irregularity in breathing.

The doctor noted that some cases may present with different symptoms, such as pain radiating to the jaw, arm, or the area below the left shoulder blade. Pain may also appear in the abdomen, leading some to mistakenly attribute it to a stomach problem.

Kondrakhin pointed out that some patients may not recognize the nature of their symptoms, especially when chest pain is not obvious. In certain cases, pain may begin during movement or walking, then recur intermittently before eventually appearing even during rest or while sitting.

Heart attack symptoms

Some warning signs may appear several days before a heart attack, with pain initially triggered by exertion and gradually intensifying or occurring at rest. In other cases, atypical symptoms such as toothache may arise, causing individuals to suspect a dental issue rather than a heart problem.

The doctor stressed that the absence or mildness of chest pain does not necessarily mean there is no heart problem, as a heart attack can sometimes occur without clear pain and may be accompanied by severe weakness due to reduced heart function.

Kondrakhin advised undergoing an electrocardiogram (ECG) as soon as concerning symptoms appear, and to inform the doctor of all details regarding the pain, its timing, and the circumstances in which it occurs. He explained that the ECG may reveal changes indicating a heart issue.

He also highlighted the importance of screening for those over 45 years old when alarming symptoms arise, emphasizing that chest pain requires medical evaluation regardless of age, as heart attacks can also occur in younger people.

The variation in heart attack symptoms from person to person underscores the importance of not ignoring unusual symptoms, especially when they appear for the first time or recur with exertion or at rest, and the need to seek medical assessment to determine their cause.