Readers who've experienced a heart attack before know those classic symptoms don't always happen -- or they don't always feel the way we expect them to. Heart attacks in women look very different than heart attacks in men. If you've had a heart attack, let us know how it felt. Tell your story below.
The classic symptoms are:
- Chest pain
- Pressure, heaviness or tightness in the chest
- Pain or pressure in the neck or jaw
- Pain or pressure in one or both arms (especially the left)
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Pain or throbbing between the shoulder blades
If You Suspect You're Having a Heart Attack
If you suspect a heart attack, do not make an appointment to see the doctor. A private physician will probably not have the tools necessary to treat a heart attack. Instead, call 911 immediately!If you have chest pain, always go to the ER or call 911.
While waiting for the ambulance:
- Sit down and rest. The more exercise or stress you put on the heart, the more damage the heart attack will do. Sit and rest until the ambulance arrives.
- Have someone gather your medications. If there is someone with you, have them gather your medications or an updated list. It's a good idea to have personal medical information available at all times for the ambulance crew.
- Take your nitroglycerin. If you have a prescription for nitroglycerin, this is why you have it. Take it as directed by your physician. Usually, you put a tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve. Do not take another person's nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin can make some people's blood pressure drop dangerously low.
WARNING: Taking nitroglycerin within 36 hours of taking Viagra®, Cialis®, or Levitra® (drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction) may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Do not take nitroglycerine within 36 hours of taking erectile dysfunction drugs unless directed by a physician.
