RECOGNISING HEART ATTACK WARNING SIGNS: DON'T IGNORE THESE CRUCIAL SYMPTOMS

A HEART attack can be a terrifying and life-threatening occurrence.

- GERRY CUPIDO

Knowing its warning signs and acting quickly can dramatically improve the outcome.

Many people mistakenly dismiss early symptoms, thinking they're just indigestion, muscle aches, or simply feeling a bit under the weather.

However, recognising these critical signs and getting immediate help is crucial.

Understand what to look for and never ignore them

Chest discomfort

While often portrayed dramatically, chest pain during a heart attack isn't always a sharp, sudden stab. More often, this is what it looks like:

Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or tightness: It might feel like a heavy weight on your chest, an uncomfortable pressure, or a band squeezing tightly. This discomfort can come and go, or it might be constant.

Location: While typically in the centre or left side of the chest, this sensation can also spread.

Other vital clues

It's essential to remember that heart attack symptoms can vary significantly from person to person.

Sometimes, chest pain isn't even the most prominent symptom, especially for women, older adults, and individuals with diabetes.

Arm pain: Discomfort, numbness, or pain in one or both arms, most commonly the left, is a frequent sign.

Back, neck, jaw, or stomach pain: The discomfort can spread to your back, neck, jaw (sometimes feeling like a toothache), or even mimic an upset stomach or heartburn.