How to recognize a heart attack in time: recommendations from experts

Myocardial infarction, also called a heart attack, is a condition that requires emergency medical care. To prevent serious consequences, you need to know the first signs of a heart attack and the right actions when they occur. We turned to experts to give you the most up-to-date and useful information on this important issue.

The first signs of a heart attack in men and women

The first signs of a heart attack can differ in men and women, which complicates timely diagnosis. Aleksey Vasilyevich Konev, Professor of the Cardiology Department of the Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, PhD in Medicine, listed the most characteristic ones.

In men

In men, the most characteristic early symptoms include sharp chest pain, which is felt as intense pressure or tightness in the central part of the chest.

"In men, the most common early signs include sharp chest pain, which feels like a strong pressure or squeezing in the center of the chest," explains Professor Konev.

This pain may radiate, that is, spread, to the left arm, neck, jaw or back, creating a burning or tight sensation. In addition, men often experience shortness of breath, which occurs suddenly and without an obvious cause. Sudden profuse sweating, accompanied by sticky skin, is also a common symptom that should not be ignored.

"This pain can spread to the left arm, neck, jaw or back. Men also often experience shortness of breath and sudden profuse sweating, accompanied by clammy skin," the doctor says.

In women

In women, the signs of a heart attack are often less pronounced and more varied. In addition to chest pain, women often experience discomfort or pain in the upper body, such as the back, neck, jaw, or abdomen. These pains can be unusual and often not directly related to physical activity, Konev continues:

"In women, symptoms may be less typical. In addition to chest pain, women often complain of pain in the upper body, such as the back, neck, jaw, or abdomen. Another symptom common in women is extreme fatigue that does not go away even after prolonged rest. Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are also more common in women."

Women may feel very weak and exhausted, even without significant physical activity. Nausea and vomiting are more common in women than in men and may be mistaken for food poisoning or stomach problems. Symptoms that are more common in women include dizziness and lightheadedness.

Unusual Heart Attack Symptoms

Some signs of a heart attack can be mistaken for other conditions.

"For example, pain in the stomach, reminiscent of gastritis or an ulcer, pain in the teeth or jaw without obvious dental problems, as well as various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as heartburn or hiccups," explains Professor Konev.

Unusual symptoms of a heart attack that often go unnoticed include numbness or tingling in the hands, as well as frequent urination. A change in skin color can also serve as a signal, adds Mikhail Kutyshov, MD, toxicologist:

"Among the unusual symptoms of a heart attack, abdominal pain stands out. Very often, many people mistake it for a simple stomach upset. Numbness or tingling in the hands is also usually not given much importance, as is frequent urination. Skin color also becomes a signal. During a heart attack, a person's skin can turn pale or blue, depending on the severity of the condition."

How to tell if chest pain is a heart attack and not something else?

To recognize a heart attack, it is important to pay attention to several key features. First of all, you should consider the duration and nature of the chest pain.

"If chest pain lasts more than 15 minutes and does not go away after rest or taking nitroglycerin, this may indicate a heart attack. Severe, pressing or squeezing pain, accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or dizziness are also alarming signs," says Professor Konev.

When should you urgently call a doctor if you suspect a heart attack, and what can you do before the ambulance arrives?

If you or someone near you is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, you must act immediately. In such situations, every minute is worth its weight in gold, and the right actions can save a life, notes Aleksey Vasilyevich Konev, professor of the Cardiology Department of the Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia:

1. Above all, stay calm and try to minimize physical activity.
2. Call 911 immediately and describe your symptoms in detail.
3. Take one nitroglycerin tablet if you have it and if your doctor has previously prescribed it.
4. It is best to sit or lie down to reduce the strain on your heart.

Do not try to get to the hospital on your own, as this may worsen your condition, warns medical science candidate Mikhail Kutushov. Driving or walking in such a condition is extremely dangerous, as any physical activity increases the load on the heart, which can lead to a worsening of the condition.

"Before the ambulance arrives, try to lie down in a position that is comfortable for you, and try not to eat or drink, so as not to worsen the condition of your stomach. Remember that myocardial infarction is a serious condition that can lead to death. It is important to know the symptoms of a heart attack and quickly seek medical help," Kutyshov emphasizes.

These simple but important steps can significantly increase the chances of a favorable outcome in case of a heart attack. It is important to remember that timely and correct response to the first signs of a heart attack can save a life.