The idea of one of your loved ones having a heart attack is scary to even consider. However, if you know about the early warning signs, you can ensure that your family member receives prompt treatment. Symptoms can vary by person and often start slowly. Here is a guide to recognizing these signs.

How to Tell If Someone Is Having a Heart Attack

1. Chest Pain

Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, and it generally lasts more than a few minutes. Individuals who experience this symptom describe it as an intense pressure and pain in the middle of the chest.

2. Shortness of Breath

If the heart can’t adequately pump blood, the lungs won’t receive enough oxygen, making it more difficult to breathe. Individuals who are suffering heart attacks may get short of breath performing the simplest activity, like walking to the mailbox.

3. Heart Palpitations

It’s also common for individuals to experience heart palpitations when they’re having a heart attack. These palpitations can make it feel like the heart is skipping a beat or pounding. The heart requires a steady beat to move blood through the body efficiently and can become damaged if the beat is out of rhythm.

4. Sweating

Persistent sweating can indicate that there’s something wrong with the heart. Pumping blood through blocked arteries puts extra stress on the heart, causing the body to produce more sweat.

5. Arm Pain

Individuals who experience chest pain may feel the pain spreading down one or both arms. While this occurs more frequently on the left side, it can also occur on the right.

If your loved one is experiencing any of these heart attack symptoms, make sure he or she gets medical attention immediately. Nidal Yunis MD, a cardiologist at Premier Cardiology Consultants, has treated patients in Dothan, AL, with heart issues for over 25 years and concentrates on providing quality heart disease treatments with cutting-edge technology. Dr. Yunis treats every patient with compassion and takes the time to answer all their questions. For more information, call (334) 699-6396 or visit their website.