Heart attack symptoms are continuously variable, ranging from typical severe chest pain to mild atypical pains to sometimes no pain at all. While not all body pains necessarily indicate a heart attack, certain types of pain, particularly when experienced in combination with other symptoms, could be potential warning signs. Here are five types of body pains that might indicate a heart attack:
Chest Pain: The most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. It may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or heavyness. Pain may occur on the left side or centre of the chest.
2. Arm Pain: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, often radiating from the chest to the left arm, is another possible sign of a heart attack. Sometimes, pain may radiate to both the shoulders and back.
3. Throat and Jaw Pain: Some people may experience throat or lower jaw pain, especially when walking or exercising. This may feel like a toothache, choking sensation, or pressure in the neck.
4. Abdominal Pain: Pain in the upper part of the belly can sometimes indicate a heart attack. It may feel like aching, tightness, or pressure and may be associated with vomiting.
5. No pain: About 10% of heart attacks may cause mild or no pain. This is called silent myocardial ischemia and occurs more commonly in diabetics, elderly people, and patients with neuropathy.