Symptoms of a Heart Attack
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency in which the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. Symptoms of a heart attack can vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:
• Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of a heart attack and may feel like a tightness, fullness, pressure, or squeezing sensation.
• Shortness of breath: This symptom can occur with or without chest pain and can be a sign of fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart failure.
• Pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms, shoulders, jaw, neck, or back: This pain may feel like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain.
• Nausea, indigestion, or stomach discomfort: This can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by chest pain.
• Cold sweat and clammy skin: This is a sign of shock and can be a symptom of a heart attack.
Where Does a Heart Attack Strike First?
A heart attack can strike anywhere in the heart, but it usually strikes the left ventricle first. This is because the left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body. When a blockage occurs in the left ventricle, it can cause a decrease in blood flow to other parts of the body, leading to oxygen deprivation and other symptoms associated with a heart attack. The other chambers of the heart, such as the right ventricle and atria, may also be affected by a heart attack.