First Sign of a Heart Attack

Contrary to popular belief, most heart attacks start with mild chest discomfort rather than crushing pain. In fact, the myth of the dramatic "Hollywood" heart attack that starts with immediate, acute chest pain may actually discourage those with minor chest pain from getting immediate assistance. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, most heart attack victims wait two or more hours before seeking medical help. When every second counts, it's important to know the early signs of a heart attack.

First Sign

• The first sign of a heart attack is often chest discomfort. It may go away but then comes back. The American Heart Association describes it as a feeling of fullness, pressure or squeezing in the middle of your chest. This may be your only sign or it may be accompanied by those listed below.

Other Early Symptoms

• Other early symptoms can accompany chest discomfort. If you have pain in one or both arms, especially if it radiates to the neck or jaw, you should seek medical attention immediately. You may also experience stomach pain and/or shortness of breath with or without chest pain. Some also become lightheaded and nauseous.
  According to the American Heart Association, the most common heart attack symptom in women is also chest pain or discomfort. However, women are slightly more likely to have the additional symptoms listed above, particularly shortness of breath, nausea and jaw pain.

Risk Factors

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several factors that may put you at higher risk for a heart attack. High blood pressure can damage the arteries that supply blood to the heart, leading to an attack. Obesity, because it is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, is also a risk factor for a heart attack. Other factors like smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of heart attacks and high levels of stress can also contribute to the likelihood an attack. Men are also slightly more at risk for heart attacks than pre-menopausal women, though the risk for men and post-menopausal women is the same.

Call 911

• The first hour after a heart attack is the most important, according to the Mayo Clinic. In fact, about half the people who have heart attacks die within the first hour, so it is critical to get help as soon as possible. Call 911 or your local emergency services phone number as soon as you experience chest pain. This is the best option because paramedics can begin treatment as soon as they reach you rather than waiting until you get to the hospital. In addition, patients who arrive at a hospital via ambulance, complaining of chest pain, usually receive faster treatment.
  The problem of heart attack victims delaying medical treatment prompted the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to sponsor the "Act in Time" campaign to educate the public on the importance of seeking immediate attention for a suspected heart attack.

Prevention

• Lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of heart attack. Quitting smoking, losing weight and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat lowers your risk. Regular exercise can help you lower blood pressure and lose weight. If you have already had a heart attack, your doctor can prescribe medicine that helps your heart function better and encourage lifestyle changes that will make a second heart attack less likely.