Heart attack symptoms: The sudden sensation which shouldn’t be ignored – it may be a sign

A heart attack can be fatal, so it’s important to be able to recognise the signs. Medical attention will be required to make sure you’re okay. What’s the overwhelming sensation you may feel?

The NHS wants people to be aware of the signs you may be having a heart attack.

The health body noted that “women, older people, and people with diabetes” may experience minor pain, similar to indigestion.

And, although chest pain – described as “a sensation of pressure, tightness or squeezing in the centre of your chest” – can be indicative of a heart attack, it’s not the only prevailing symptom.

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• Heart attack symptoms: An overwhelming sensation

Some people may experience an overwhelming sense of anxiety, which is similar to having a panic attack.

Mental health charity Mind describe panic attacks as “a type of fear response”.

It’s an exaggeration of the body’s normal response to danger, stress or excitement.

The charity explained that symptoms of a panic attack can build up very quickly.

Physical sensations of a panic attack include a pounding, or racing, heartbeat, and feeling faint, dizzy or light-headed.

People may feel very hot or cold, they may swear, tremble and shake, feel nauseous and experience pain in the chest or abdomen.

It can feel as though you’re struggling to breathe – it can even feel as though you’re choking.

Some people may feel disconnected from their mind, body or surroundings, which is a type of dissociation.

During a panic attack, it’s not uncommon for you to suspect you’re losing control, or that you’re going to faint.

It’s also not unusual for people to believe they are having a heart attack and are going to die.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) explained how somebody can tell the difference between a heart attack or anxiety.

“A sense of dread overshadows both events,” began UPMC. But it’s important to pay special attention to the following symptoms:

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• Heart attack symptoms: What body part may ache during an attack?

Chest pain or pressure, burning esophageal discomfort – resembling indigestion – and shooting or aching pain that moves down the arm.

Additionally, take note if pain travels to the jaw area, there’s a sense of discomfort between the shoulder blades or you vomit.

These symptoms above are more indicative of a heart attack. However, a medical diagnosis is the only way to be certain.

This is why it’s important to call the emergency services on 999 – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

It may also be helpful to be aware of the risk factors associated with a heart attack.

These include being a smoker, having a family history of heart disease, or having high blood pressure.

Anxiety, on the other hand, may come about from chronic stress, a recent traumatic event or struggling to cope with everyday life.

For more information on anxiety and how to manage the condition, visit Mind.

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