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symptoms of a heart attack
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #13203
46 days ago
101

symptoms of a heart attack - #13203

Sara

I am really worried about my father. He’s 65 and has a history of high blood pressure, but lately he’s been acting super odd. Like last week, he was working in the yard and suddenly came inside, looking pale. He complained of tightness in his chest and just seemed really tired. Then the other day, he said he felt a weird pain that radiated down his left arm. He’s never mentioned these kinds of symptoms before, but I can’t shake this feeling that these symptoms of a heart attack are something I should be paying more attention to. We brushed it off, thinking maybe it was just something he ate, but now I'm questioning everything. He also said he’s been having some shortness of breath too, and I’ve read online that those can be symptoms of a heart attack. Should I take him to see a doctor, or could it be something less serious? I keep thinking, what if we ignore the symptoms of a heart attack, and it turns out to be something serious? I just don’t want to panic him unnecessarily, but I can’t help but feel like I need to be proactive here and figure out what these symptoms of a heart attack really mean. What should I do?

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Doctors’ responses

Based on your father’s symptoms, it is important to prioritize seeking immediate medical attention. Sudden chest tightness, pain radiating to the left arm, and shortness of breath are classic symptoms of a heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction. Given his history of high blood pressure, his risk may be heightened, and these symptoms should not be brushed off. Although there can be other reasons for these symptoms, such as gastrointestinal issues or musculoskeletal pain, the potential risk of a heart attack necessitates urgent evaluation to rule out serious cardiac events. It is essential to act with urgency, calling emergency services rather than attempting to transport him to the hospital yourself. Paramedics are equipped to provide care en route and communicate with the hospital to prepare for his arrival, should it be necessary. Delaying emergency care could limit the options for effective treatment and potentially worsen his outcome. If it turns out that it is not a heart attack, then the healthcare providers will also be able to evaluate for other serious conditions and give appropriate guidance or treatments for his symptoms. Meanwhile, ensure he avoids any strenuous activity and keeps calm while awaiting medical evaluation. Don’t delay, as time is a crucial factor in heart-related symptoms, ensuring both better prognosis and comprehensive care.

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