what are early symptoms of heart attack - #16758
I am really freaked out right now. A couple of weeks ago, I was on a hike and started feeling this weird pressure in my chest, but it went away and I thought maybe I was just tired. Then last night, I woke up at like 3 AM feeling super lightheaded, my heart was racing, and I had this tightness in my chest again. I keep thinking about heart attack stuff, and I know I should probably see a doctor, but like, I'm just a bit scared. I mean, what are early symptoms of heart attack? Could you feel this tightness and not have it be a big deal? My dad had a heart attack when he was younger, and it's got me questioning everything. Is it just anxiety? Am I overthinking it? One of my friends said she had jaw pain before hers—like, is that a thing? Ugh, if I had known what are early symptoms of heart attack I would’ve made an appointment already. Should I go to the ER or just wait it out? I know I shouldn’t ignore these signs, but what are the chances I’m just having a panic attack or something more mundane? I’m just exhausted and worried. Any advice from you all would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Chest pressure, tightness or discomfort can be early signs of a heart attack, and what you’re describing could indeed fit with that. Other symptoms can include pain that radiates to the arms, neck, jaw, or back, which ties in with what your friend experienced. Shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, nausea, or sweating are also typical indicators. Given your family history and the recurrence of these symptoms, it’s reasonable to be concerned. Anxiety can mimic these symptoms quite closely, but it’s very important not to assume it’s just anxiety, especially given the circumstances. Since these symptoms have resurfaced with activity and at rest, it would be wise to seek medical evaluation promptly. Do not wait it out—visit the ER right away to rule out any serious issues. The heart rate increase and lightheadedness could also be linked to your cardiovascular health. Time is crucial, and ruling out a heart attack should be a priority. At the ER, they’ll likely perform an ECG and blood tests to assess heart function. While lifestyle modifications and stress management can help in the long term, immediate medical attention is necessary now to ensure it’s not something serious. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your heart.
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