Heart Attack Symptoms???

Question

My father within the last few weeks has had flu-like symptoms (even took two days off work..which he NEVER does) and has had shooting pain through his right shoulder down his arm. I was wondering if this could be a precursor to a heart attack. He has been to 2 different doctors within the past few weeks and his surgeon is 'almost' sure its not heart-related but it the same breath ordered a stress test???

Answer 1

Doctors usually schedule a stress test just to see what physical condition is he in not to determine if he is having a heart attack. If he is complaining of shooting pain on the right arm this might be related to other sources such as nervous system related or muscular related. A heart attack usually provokes shooting pain on the chest that extends to the LEFT arm and also shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, loss of consciousness and many more obvious symptoms. A doctor can also recommend a stress test just for the possibility of a stroke, maybe at his age and the kind of work he does and the weight and lifestyle can make him a candidate for stress related stroke. But if the doctor said it is only a stress test then you shouldn't worry much about it.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

My experience is that generally is the left arm for heart attacks. However nothing is completely wrong or right. The best advice is to seek professional medical advice. Always ask for 2nd opinion in any case. Don't ever walk away from a Dr if you are not sure about answer. Ask all the questions till you are satisfied. Best if possible to have someone go with your father to the Dr. Another set of ears and questions is always helpful.

Answer 4

There are many causes for Chest pain that range from Coronary heart disease to psychogenic. Have they checked her for an AORTIC ANEURYSM? This is caused from a weakness in the wall of the aorta where it comes off the heart, it can be from birth or caused from an injury. Extremely dangerous condition to have, it can rupture and the person could bleed to death in minutes. Often the ECG results will read normal in an uncomplicated aortic aneurysm and it can be missed. The best tests to begin with for diagnosing would be a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest. The symptoms for an high aortic arch aneurysm are light-headedness, weakness, Shortness of breath, Rapid heart beat, sweating, numbness or tingling in the arm, Chest pain or pressure and loss of consciousness (fainting). This is a very dangerous thing to have, especially if he is having discomfort.

Answer 5

Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is one of the heart attack symptoms experienced by patients. They might experience pain that extends from the upper body down to the stomach area. They may also experience symptoms of heart burn.

Upper Body Pain
Some patients experience pain or discomfort in the upper body including the shoulders, neck, teeth, jaw, back, arms without experiencing any chest pain. Others experience chest pain that spreads out to the entire upper body.

Chest Pain
Patients may experience discomfort or tightness in the chest. The pain and discomfort is often described as a tight ache, squeezing, fullness, or pressure that originates in the center of the chest cavity and continues for a few minutes. The chest pain or discomfort may occur in infrequent spells.

Anxiety
Anxiety is a heart attack symptom that can easily be misinterpreted. Patients may experience feelings of helplessness, panic and dread. They are unable to identify the cause of these feelings.

Lightheadedness
In addition to chest pain and discomfort, patients also complain of dizzy spells and feeling like they are going to faint.

Nausea
Intense feelings of nausea and in some cases vomiting are also reported by heart attack sufferers.

Difficulty Breathing
Heart attack sufferers also experience shortness of breath. This symptom precedes the chest pain and discomfort. Alternatively, some patients may experience shortness of breath without any subsequent chest pain or discomfort. In response to this symptom patients resort to panting for breath or attempt to draw in deep breaths.

Sweating
Patients may break out into sudden and profuse sweating. They will also have cold and clammy skin all of a sudden as a result of this heart attack symptom.

Answer 6

I have experience that many patients who have had similar ailments or had similar symptoms like
Anxiety
chest discomfort
cough
dizziness
fatique
nausea or lack of appitite
pain in other parts of body
Rapid irregular pukse
shortness of breath
sweating
weakness etc
I have found the site http:/blog.shahidmerchant.com very useful in this condition

Answer 7

First of all, it's normal for doctors to order stress tests if there is the slightest possibility of cardiac problems...they have to cover themselves, you know. But like a doctor, I can't say he's not having cardiac problems; it doesn't appear that way, though, especially if it came with the flu-like symptoms. Has he injured himself somehow? I'd be sure to tell the doc everything, and try not to worry about his heart. They should be able to tell for sure with the stress test.

Answer 8

anxiety can appear like a heart attack. Even gal bladder problems can feel like bad pressure on the chest. Doctors can run test that will show if it is heart related. It is good that he is going to his doctors.

Just keep an eye on him.

Kathy

Answer 9

theres no particular symptoms of heart attack.. heart attack are unpredictable..

Answer 10

PALPITATIONS, SEVERE OR MILD PAIN ON THE SHOULDERS SHIFTING TOWARD MID PORTION
BUT MOST PANIC ATTACKS HAVE SIMILAR SYMPTOMS