Could I really be having a heart attack?

"If you have chest discomfort and are severely ill, phone 911 and obtain an ambulance as quickly as possible," adds Dr. Odiete. If you're having a heart attack, you'll feel weight, tightness, or pressure in your chest; individuals typically describe it as if "an elephant rested on my chest" or "it felt like a tight band around my chest," or something similar.

"If you get chest pains when you exert yourself but they go away when you stop, it's more likely to be angina." That means you should still see a doctor, but you don't need to dial 911."

Dr. Odiete suggests that if you are experiencing chest problems and are feeling severely ill, you should phone 911 and request an ambulance.

A burning feeling in your chest or stomach, similar to indigestion, might be an indication of a heart attack or other cardiac disease. "Because the heart, the gullet [the route between your mouth and stomach], and the stomach are all close together, the issue, for both members of the public and doctors, is that a burning or indigestion-type discomfort and heart pain can be difficult to distinguish," explains Dr. Odiete. You could dial 911 for assistance; they have algorithms in place, but they aren't ideal because no hard and fast rules apply to everyone."

Sweaty? 

Training up a sweat at the gym or on a particularly hot day is nothing to be concerned about. However, if you're hot and clammy and have chest issues, you should call an ambulance.

Arm discomfort isn't usually associated with the heart, although it can be a warning of a heart attack. "If your discomfort is moving down your arm, especially your left arm, or into your neck, it's more likely to be heart-related than indigestion," adds Dr. Odiete. If it persists, or if you know you have heart problems and have tried your GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) spray two or three times with no effect, you should seek immediate medical help." For an ambulance, dial 911.

"This shouldn't be overlooked, especially if the ankles become too large, as it might be a sign of heart failure, but it's also fairly common and can be caused by a variety of factors." It might also be due to the medications you're taking, such as blood pressure medicine, which can cause swelling ankles."

If you experience any symptom and you think “ I might be having a heart attack” please call 911 and follow up with PeachState Advanced Cardiac & Endovascular for your care. 

We are just a call or click away. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with PeachState Advanced Cardiac & Endovascular. We have several locations in Georgia: Newnan, Atlanta, & Griffin.

Author

Kelly Miles Current Director of Business Development & Operations at PeachState Advanced Cardiac & Endovascular- PACE. Kelly has a passion for helping others navigate the healthcare industry and ensuring quality outcomes. She lives in Newnan, GA with her husband and children.