What are the signs of a heart attack?

Question: What are the signs of a heart attack?

Signs and symptoms are not the same thing. Signs can be observed by others, while symptoms are things that are only noticed by the person experiencing the medical problem.

If you are worried that your spouse or a parent could be having a heart attack, there are some red flags to consider even if he or she doesn't complain of any symptoms.

Answer: A heart attack is a deeply personal crisis. There aren't a lot of outward signs to tell the world when someone is having one. The most common symptoms of heart attack are chest pain and/or pressure. Sometimes a victim will be short of breath or have pain or pressure in one or both arms (usually the left), or in the neck and jaw.

If you're reading this because you're worried about someone, then it's likely that you've already seen some signs. Here are some things that might by that you've already seen some signs. Here are some things that might be happenppening to someone having a heart attack:

• Breathing fast (he can't catch his breath)
• Rubbing his arm or his chest (an indicator of pain or discomfort)
• She looks pale or gray (fear and pain can both cause this reaction)
• Sweating (another possible result of fear and pain)
• Cool to the touch (sometimes the combination of cool temperature and the moist skin are described as feeling "clammy")

While it's not in any medical books that I know of, one thing I've noticed about nearly every heart attack patient I've treated is that he or she was very distracted. One of the symptoms of a heart attack described often in medical literature is a "feeling of impending doom" -- some patients actually feel like they are going to die. I'm sure you can see how one could be a bit distracted by that feeling.

The more of these signs you see, the more likely this person is suffering a heart attack. If you suspect your loved one is having a heart attack you could call 911, but I recommend talking to him or her first. Don't ask if anything is wrong. Instead, ask why he or she is rubbing that arm. Ask why he or she is winded or out of breath. Ask about pain or pressure in the chest.

If you can convince the victim to be medically evaluated, call 911. The paramedics will have tools to get treatment started right away if it's necessary.