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what are the early symptoms of heart attack
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #15136
45 days ago
55

what are the early symptoms of heart attack - #15136

Amara

I am really worried about my dad. He's always been pretty healthy, but lately, he's been a bit more tired than usual and has mentioned some weird feelings in his chest. I heard someone talking about what are the early symptoms of heart attack at work, and now I can't stop thinking about it. He heaves a bit when walking up stairs, but he says it's just because he's getting older. Sometimes, he complains about pain in his left arm or jaw, and I thought that kind of stuff was just in movies or something. One night, we were watching TV together, and he suddenly said he felt dizzy and had this pressure in his chest for like 10 minutes. I didn’t wanna panic him, but what are the early symptoms of heart attack? Do they start like this? Should've taken him in right then, but I thought it was just stress from work. A friend told me the early symptoms of heart attack can be different for men and women, which freaks me out even more. What do you think I should be looking for? I don’t want to scare him, but I also don’t want to miss an opportunity to get him help if he needs it. Is there like a list or something of what are the early symptoms of heart attack? I’m seriously thinking of making him go to the doc just to be safe, even if it turns out to be nothing. Any advice would be sooo appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

The early symptoms of a heart attack can indeed vary, and what you’re describing raises some important warning flags. It’s good that you’re paying attention to these changes. Common early symptoms of a heart attack include chest discomfort or pain, often described as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or sharp. This pain might not always stay in the chest—it can radiate to the shoulders, neck, arms, back, teeth, or jaw, a detail people often overlook. Your dad’s mention of pain in the left arm or jaw fits this pattern. Shortness of breath is another key symptom, sometimes occurring with or before chest discomfort. The fact that he experiences this when exerting himself, like walking upstairs, is noteworthy. Dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, or fatigue are also symptoms that might accompany a heart attack. Fatigue and the pressure in his chest he mentioned should not be underestimated. It’s also correct that heart attack symptoms can present differently in men and women, with women sometimes experiencing a broader range of symptoms or subtle differences, though that’s less relevant here with your dad. It’s absolutely crucial to seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms occur, especially if they’re new, severe, or suddenly worsening. Given the symptoms you’ve described, I would strongly advise that he sees a healthcare provider. It’s better to be cautious and get evaluated, even if it ends up being stress or another less urgent condition. Encourage him to see a doctor as soon as possible, and if these symptoms continue or worsen, consider going to an urgent care facility or emergency department immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key in managing heart health effectively and preventing complications. In the meantime, it might be helpful for him to try and note when these symptoms occur, their duration, what he was doing at the time, along with any other factors like meals, stress levels, or anxiety. This information can provide valuable insights during a medical evaluation.

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