Located between the lungs, the human heart is a muscle that is nourished by a constant supply of blood. The veins and arteries then carry the blood to various parts of the body back to the heart. When oxygen-rich blood supply is suddenly blocked or cut off, the muscles begin to die. This is known as a heart attack. If the blood flow to the heart is restored within the first few hours, the heart muscle can be saved or the damage could be permanent.

The increase in the number of heart attacks is one of the most common causes of deaths in the country and all over the world. Like with any other disease, the symptoms of a heart attack and its severity vary from person to person. However, very few people are more prone to it than the others. So, it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a heart attack as it will help you identify one if it occurs.

The symptoms of a heart attack (either mild or severe) are:

Chest pain
A feeling of sudden constriction or pressure is usually felt in the chest. The heaviness would seem as though a heavy object is placed on your heart. Pain may also be felt in the jaw, neck, shoulders, back, and even in the stomach or abdominal region. A tingling sensation, numbness, and aching in the arms too can be felt. This pain can be fleeting or can last for a few minutes too.

Shortness of breath
Difficulty in breathing is felt during a heart attack. The shortness of breath occurs because of two reasons:

• When the heart cannot pump enough blood for circulation around the body.
• When the heart does not get adequate oxygen from the lungs.

Cold sweat
Cold sweats are one of the earliest warning signs of an impending heart attack. When the blood carrying arteries are blocked, the heart has to work harder to perform its routine functions. This exertion makes your body warmer than usual. Cold sweats are the body’s natural way to cool itself in such a situation.

Heartburn
While it is true that severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause heartburn, you must observe two things:

• Whether the heartburn is right after a meal or after a session of exercise.
• If there is an acidic taste in the mouth accompanying the heartburn. GERD related heartburn definitely brings that along. But in the case of a heart attack, there is nothing besides heartburn.

Nausea, indigestion, fatigue, and dizziness are other symptoms of a heart attack. But sometimes people can have, what is known as a silent heart attack, silent ischemia. This happens when there is lack of oxygen to the heart muscle, but there are no symptoms accompanying it. So, when you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately and get the medical help needed.