Each year, around 805,0000 Americans have a heart attack. A heart attack is the result of a blockage in the heart that inhibits blood flow. Blockages may be caused by a buildup of fat or cholesterol, creating plaque in the heart’s arteries. Keep these early symptoms of a heart attack in mind to ensure you or your loved one gets swift cardiac care.

What Are the Early Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

1. Chest Pain 

When you have a blocked artery, or are experiencing a heart attack, you may feel pain or pressure in your chest. The quality of your pain will depend on your particular case, but it will likely last longer than a few  minutes. It might happen when you’re resting or following physical exercise, and it might even wake you up in the night. 

If the pain is very brief or hurts mostly when you touch it, it’s likely heartburn or muscular. For severe and persistent symptoms, seek out cardiac care.

2. Nausea & Indigestion 

In most cases, nausea and indigestion may result from something you ate or health issues unrelated to your heart. However, some people, women especially, experience these symptoms during or prior to a heart attack. 

Thus, if you’re at risk of a heart attack, and experience these symptoms coupled with other common heart attack symptoms, it’s worth seeking out medical care. 

3. Pain in Arms, Throat, Or Jaw

Body pains are another sign of a heart attack. Often, people describe pain that radiates from the chest to the left side of their body. Alternatively, pain radiating through the arms, throat, and jaw (coupled with chest pain) can be a sign of a heart attack. However, keep in mind that throat or jaw pain alone is likely muscular pain or a sinus issue.

For exceptional cardiac care, go to DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA in Rochelle Park, NJ. Dr. Leonardo DiVagno has over 20 years of experience in treating a range of heart conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and interventional cardiology. Using advanced equipment and techniques, their experienced team will ensure you get the best care available. Schedule an appointment today by calling (201) 845-3535. Read more about their cardiovascular services online.