If something went wrong with your heart, would you know it? Not all heart problems come with clear warning signs. There is not always an alarming chest clutch followed by a fall to the floor like you see in movies. Some heart symptoms don’t even happen in your chest, and it’s not always easy to tell what’s going on. If you’re not sure, get it checked. That’s especially true if you are 60 or older, are overweight, or have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Especially watch out for these problems: 1. Chest Discomfort It is the most common sign of heart danger. If you have a blocked artery or are having a heart attack, you may feel pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest. Everyone has a different word for that feeling. Some people say it’s like an elephant is sitting on them. Other people say it’s like a pinching or burning. The feeling usually lasts longer than a few minutes. It may happen when you’re at rest or when you’re doing something physical. If it’s just a very brief pain, or if it’s a spot that hurts more when you touch or push on it, it’s probably not your heart . Also, keep in mind you can have heart problems, even a heart attack, without chest pain. That’s particularly common among women.
2. Nausea, Indigestion, Heartburn, or Stomach Pain Some people have these symptoms during a heart attack. They may even vomit. Women are more likely to report this type of symptom than men are. Of course, you can have an upset stomach for many reasons that have nothing to do with your heart. It could just be something you ate, after all. But you need to be aware that it can also happen during a heart attack. So if you feel this way and you’re at risk for heart problems, let a doctor find out what’s going on, especially if you also have any of the other symptoms on this list.
3. Pain that Spreads to the Arm Another classic heart attack symptom is pain that radiates down the left side of the body. It almost always starts from the chest and moves outward.
4. You Feel Dizzy or Light headed A lot of things can make you lose your balance or feel faint for a moment. Maybe you didn’t have enough to eat or drink, or you stood up too fast. But if you suddenly feel unsteady and you also have chest discomfort or shortness of breath, call a doctor right away.
5. Throat or Jaw Pain By itself, throat or jaw pain probably isn’t heart related. More likely, it’s caused by a muscular issue, a cold, or a sinus problem. But if you have pain or pressure in the center of your chest that spreads up into your throat or jaw, it could be a sign of a heart attack.
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