Heart attack is a serious health condition that can happens when the heart muscles is starved from oxygen-rich blood. Most people think that the symptoms of these conditions are very obvious and the person who is having a heart attack always feels strong chest pain.
However, 25% of all heart attacks occur without clear or recognizable signs. These ‘silent’ heart attacks are usually fatal because not being able to recognize the symptoms means delayed medical attention.
Dr. Chauncey Crandall is one of the America’s top cardiologists. Dr. Crandall has examined the symptoms of heart attacks and after decades of research he is able to prevent, minimize or even reverse heart disease. He recognized the earliest signs of a heart attack and even those that show minutes, days and even weeks before it occurs.
Swelling
Feet and ankle swelling is usually caused by prolonged standing or sitting. However, heart failure can also be a cause of this because it accumulates fluid in the body. As a result, the legs, abdomen, feet and ankles become swollen. There are cases where people accumulate so much fluid that they even gain weight, however their appetite reduces.
Anxiety
Numerous heart attack survivors said that before their heart attack they had anxiety attacks or feeling of impending doom. Even though many people who often have anxiety attacks sometimes confuse them with heart attack, it is important to call emergency in order to prevent something worse from happening.
Pain in other body parts
The majority of heart attack survivors have felt pain that starts in the chest and then spreads to the shoulders, arms, jaw, elbows, neck and even stomach. Some patients however have not felt any chest pain – just pain is some of the body parts we listed. The most common pain caused by a heart attack is felt between the shoulder blades or in one or both arms. This pain can reoccur so don’t take it lightly.
Coughing
Heart failure can also manifest through nagging or wheezing cough, and in some cases patients cough up bloody phlegm. The coughing occurs as a result of fluid accumulation in the lungs. It is important to recognize this symptom especially if you have already experienced any of the others we listed above.
Other symptoms of heart attack are more obvious than the ones we previously mentioned. Here are some of the most common traditional signs that you are having a heart attack:
- Lightheadedness
- Cold sweat
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Chest discomfort
In case you experience these signs don’t wait until they go away especially if they last for more than 10 minutes. You must call an ambulance immediately or have someone drive you to the emergency room. Swallowing or chewing an aspirin right away can also buy you some time in case you are not allergic.