Four things that happen right before a heart attack

Since both my father and I have experienced heart disease with its life-threatening consequences, my wife pays particularly close attention to all things heart related. As part of her diligence she has subscribed to a newsletter by a cardiologist, Dr. Chauncey Crandall. Smart girl, that wife of mine! After reading a recent issue with the above title which grabbed my attention, I thought this is something I should share in this column.

First of all Dr. Crandall defines what a heart attack is. In laymen’s terms, he says that most heart attacks are a blockage of blood flow through the arteries to the heart caused by a rupture or breaking loose of plaque which has built up over time in the arteries. Even I could understand that explanation.

So here are the four symptoms:

1. Chest Pain. Dr. Crandall says this is the most common symptom which explains why most of us would probably put this as the No. 1 symptom we associate with heart attack. However he explains there are several types of chest pain. First, a pain that’s all over the chest. Another that starts just off to the left side or the center of the chest and another that can start in the jaw and radiate down the left arm. This pain can occur at different intervals and with varying intensities.

2. Shortness of breath. Even in the absence of chest pain, shortness of breath can also signal an impending heart attack. Dr Crandall explains that shortness of breath can occur suddenly right before or even during a heart attack.

3. Indigestion or “heartburn.” Sometimes the chest pain of a heart attack is perceived as something else, like indigestion. He explains that this could be because the nerves of the stomach are close to the heart which can cause “Signal confusion” in our brain.

4. Nausea and vomiting. This can occur alone or in combination with some of the other symptoms. Dr. Crandall says that while we typically don’t think of this as being a heart attack symptom, it is not unusual at all.

In addition to these major and most common symptoms, Dr. Crandall lists these heart attack symptoms as well: profuse sweating; rapid or irregular heartbeat; dizziness, weakness or lightheadedness; vague, general feeling of illness; anxiety or a feeling of doom; and passing out.

Now, what to do besides dialing 911 if you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms and think you’re having a heart attack. While not in this issue of Dr. Crandall’s newsletter, WebMD recommends taking an aspirin as quickly as possible. In fact one Rx newsletter I’ve read recommends keeping a bottle of aspirin by your bedside in case you experience this during the night.

Here’s hoping you never have a heart attack but if you do, perhaps these tips can save your life!

See you next week!

Bill Milby, CSA, is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Director of Visiting Angels® of Macon, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors. If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.com or search for us at www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsMacon

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