How do I recognise a Heart Attack?

Question

I have these chest pains that come on and off. I do not eat properly, and so I guess some of them maybe because of that. Due to the acid buildup and stuff. But then sometimes I get them even when I have had my food.

Like now. I've had my lunch about an hour ago, and now I feel a kind of heaviness in my chest. Sometimes it goes up to my throat and makes me want to cough. Been getting these feelings for about a week now.

I'm 35, 5'8" tall and 60 kgs. I'm not overweight, don't drink, don't smoke. I've been wanting to go and see my doc, but been putting it off.

Pls help

Answer 1

Well, at your age/weight, and for a person who doesn't drink/smoke, It would be almost impossible to have a heart attack without an already underlying heart condition.

The symptoms you have may come from several things, stress itself can even cause chest pains not necessarily involving the heart. Coughing might suggest something with your lungs.

Generally heart attack symptoms are pain that starts in the middle of your chest almost like a 'tightness' and then radiates to other areas such as your jaw and between your shoulder blades. It varies from person to person.

Anyway, you might consider taking a daily aspirin (81mg) until you go see your doctor. Just to be careful.

Answer 2

For men, pain starts in the chest, radiating outward. It typically affects the left arm too. As the attack gets worse, you have trouble breathing - people describe it as like an elephant sitting on their chest. (Women typically become tired and have back pain, not chest pain).

Your symptoms do not suggest a heart attack, but if you think you may be having one, call 911, and if you can, take a soluble asprin - this is the single best piece of first aid you can give to anyone with these symptoms, since it may save their life.

Heart attack victims should not lay down. Sit on the floor or bed propped up. Make the patient as comfortable as possible until the ambulance arrives, or if no ambulance can be obtained, drive them to the ER. Patients - do not try to get to a hospital yourself - most people will not make it, and exertion of any kind is going to make things worse.

See your doctor about your symptoms - although it's probably not a heart attack, it could be a serious problem.

Answer 3

The region which you're referring to has several structures, not just the heart. Just because you're worried most about a heart attack doesn't mean it's not anything else. Recurring symptoms in a particular region that interfere with your regular functioning are almost always issues for your doctor to have a look at.

That being said, the commonest possibility here is indigestion. Don't let that deter you from seeing a doctor though - you may be a candidate from proton pump inhibitors, which are excellent medications for long term prevention of stomach ulcers, which can be serious things. Other possibilities include gallstones, costochondritis, chest infection or early cardiac failure.

Try and eat properly. Indigestion is often mistaken for as a heart attack, but when it recurs, it can be an indicator that your heart is not getting the kind of care it needs. Treat this as an early warning sign and look after your health.

Answer 4

Pricking pain near the heart region , shoulder pain, sweating, palpitation are some of the symptoms of heart attack. From what you stated it looks like you have a gastric problem with lot of acidity in the stomach thats why it goes up to your throat and makes you cough. Anyway such things should not be delayed and contact a doctor immediately.

Answer 5

Check with your doctor, but it may be gas and the best medication is phayzime that you can get over the counter or it could be acid reflux wich you can experience any time and can even get worse at night. This you need to treatment for your doctor. My grandfather had acid reflux for 40 years and never knew it, just kept poping tums. The acid finaly made a hole in his esophagus and he had to have a section removed. Heart attacks in men generally numbness/pain/tingly down left arm. At any rate, checking with your doctor is best.

Answer 6

Nope those are not heart attack. When heart attack or myocardial infarction really occurs that may consists of----
Severe central chest pain, profuse sweating, palpitation, pain sometimes rediates to the tip of the left shoulder joint and also u will feel lack of air in the environment. i think u r having gastric problems. But though i think as it is a heart matter u should measure your blood pressure as soon as possible. Thanks.

Answer 7

chest pains, numbness in your left arm and shoulder, shortness of breath, tightness feelings in your chest or heaviness, as if someone is sitting on your chest, back pain and high heart rate..........you need to be checked out by a doctor, but it might just be acid reflux......good luck

Answer 8

ahh, I think it might be an acid refluxes

if you eat clocolate, tomato, caffeinated soda/coffee, orange, butter and onion too much everyday, it is how you get

please see your doctor for test right now

Answer 9

Go see your doctor NOW,hopefully it is a digestive problem.
Good luck and good health.

Answer 10

your symptoms sound GI related and not cardiac related.