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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #13039
47 days ago
65

heart attack pain symptoms - #13039

Aradhya

I am really worried right now. A few days ago, I was just sitting on my couch watching TV when I suddenly felt this weird tightness in my chest. It kinda felt like someone was sitting on me or something, and it was accompanied by this shooting pain in my left arm. The heart attack pain symptoms were just so alarming — I thought I was overreacting, but it wouldn't go away! Then I started feeling sweaty and queasy, which just made everything seem worse. I didn’t want to seem dramatic, but what if it really was something serious? After that, I took a trip to the ER, and they said it was probably just anxiety mixed with my acid reflux, but now I can't shake the worry. Are there specific heart attack pain symptoms I should really keep an eye on, or could it just be a fluke? I read that sometimes the symptoms can be really subtle, and I just don’t want to miss something crucial. Besides the arm pain and chest tightness, is there anything else I should be looking for? I'm just a bit confused about how to differentiate between anxiety and genuine heart attack pain symptoms. Any thoughts would help, thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

The symptoms you experienced can indeed be concerning and it’s good that you sought medical attention right away. Heart attack symptoms often include chest pain or discomfort that might feel like pressure, squeezing, or fullness. This pain can radiate to other areas like the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Additionally, heart attacks can also cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness. It’s key to note that these can vary; some people might experience very subtle or atypical symptoms, especially women, the elderly, and those with diabetes. It’s understandable to feel anxious about distinguishing these from other conditions like anxiety or acid reflux. Anxiety often presents with chest tightness and arm pain too, but tends to be accompanied by a sense of panic, faster heart rate, and sometimes hyperventilation. With acid reflux, there’s usually a burning sensation or discomfort in the upper abdomen or lower chest. Given the overlap in symptoms, it’s crucial to assess the situation contextually and consider accompanying factors like physical stress. It’s important to act quickly on any warning signs that fit the heart attack profile—when in doubt, better safe than sorry. If you experience these symptoms again, especially if they’re new or worsening, seek immediate medical attention. Managing risk factors—such as hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking cessation, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime—is crucial for your cardiac health. Consider a follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss any residual concerns and possibly further evaluation, like stress tests or monitoring, to accurately address your risks and define the best ongoing management. This approach can help clarify whether there’s any need for specific heart considerations beyond anxiety and reflux management.

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