5 Signs You're at Risk for a Heart Attack

You think you know what someone having a heart attack looks like because you’ve seen it a million times on TV: a person clutches their chest and falls to the floor suddenly in obvious pain.

And while some heart attacks do actually happen that way, many more come with a few warning signs first. 

Here at Phillips Family Medical in DeSoto, Texas, board-certified family nurse practitioner Pamela Phillips and our team specialize in treating patients with heart disease. You might not think a heart attack could happen to you, but every year about 800,000 heart attacks occur in the United States. That’s one every 40 seconds.

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to your heart is severely limited or blocked, usually due to a buildup in your arteries. The lack of blood flow causes tissue in your heart muscle to die. If prompt action isn’t taken, your life could be at risk.

To keep from becoming one of the statistics, here are five signs you’re at risk for a heart attack, so you can be on the lookout.

1. Chest discomfort

This is the most common sign that you’re at risk for a heart attack. In some cases, you’ll feel pain, and in other cases, you’ll feel more of a tightening or increase in pressure. Some people describe the feeling as an elephant on their chest, while others experience more of a pinching or burning. In any case, it lasts for a while — it may even go away and then come back.

2. Shortness of breath

You may also find yourself short of breath. This can look like gasping for breath or having trouble taking deeper breaths. This can sometimes occur even before chest discomfort, so if your breath is getting short for no discernible reason, pay attention.

3. Cold sweats

Your body may also break into a cold, clammy sweat all over your skin, again with no other noticeable reason for this to occur. If this happens in combination with other symptoms, a heart attack is a very likely explanation.

4. Pain in other areas

The pain from your chest may begin extending to other areas, including your arm, back, shoulder, and jaw. It often extends especially down the left arm. Sometimes, upper body pain can occur with no chest pain or discomfort first.

5. Lightheadedness

Anyone can get a little lightheaded if they stand up too fast, but if you suddenly find yourself lightheaded or dizzy in a normal situation, especially if you’re experiencing chest pain, this is a major sign you’re at risk for a heart attack, and you should seek help quickly.

If you think you’re about to experience a heart attack, you should call 911 immediately. If you want to check on your heart health, our team at Phillips Family Medical is always available. Just call our office at 972-861-1151 or use our online scheduler to book an appointment anytime.