Myocardial Infarction: Signs and Symptoms

Introduction

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked. This leads to damage or death of the heart tissue. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early is crucial for timely treatment and better outcomes.

Common Symptoms

1. Chest Pain (Angina)

  • The most typical symptom of a heart attack is a feeling of pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest.
  • It may last for more than a few minutes or come and go.
  • Some describe it as a "crushing" or "squeezing" sensation.

2. Pain in Other Areas of the Body

  • Pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms (usually the left), neck, jaw, or upper back.
  • Some individuals experience pain in the stomach area, which can be mistaken for indigestion.

3. Shortness of Breath

  • Can occur with or without chest pain.
  • Patients may feel like they cannot catch their breath.

4. Other Symptoms

  • Cold sweat
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fatigue, especially in women

Atypical Presentations

  • Some people, particularly women, elderly individuals, and diabetics, may experience "silent" heart attacks with minimal or no obvious symptoms.
  • Symptoms may be vague, such as unexplained fatigue or discomfort.

When to Seek Emergency Help

  • If you or someone else experiences chest pain lasting more than 5 minutes, call emergency services immediately.
  • Early medical intervention can prevent severe complications and save lives.

Conclusion

Understanding the warning signs of myocardial infarction can help save lives. If you suspect a heart attack, seek immediate medical attention.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines

  1. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
  2. https://www.heart.org/
  3. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
  4. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
  5. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines

  1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
  2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
  3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
  4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
  5. https://www.escardio.org/

Our advantages:

patient2376100
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
prescription18648039
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
fvfflf7q
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
1xr4duup
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
arrow
Please register in order to receive information regarding possible complications and new approaches to treatment of cardiovascular diseases via email in our Newsletters.
arrow