Key Symptoms and ATTR-CM Clues for Quick Action
Heart attacks can be very serious and knowing the signs can help you get help quickly. In this article, we will explain ten common heart attack warning signs to be aware of. We will also talk about extra symptoms that can happen when a heart attack is caused by a condition called transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR-CM).
10 Common Heart Attack Warning Signs
1. Angina
Angina is a feeling of pressure or pain in the chest. This pain may come on when you do physical work or feel stressed. The pain is often described as squeezing or tightness that can last for a few minutes.
2. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath means you feel like you cannot get a full breath of air. It might feel as if you are breathing fast or struggling to breathe normally, even while resting. This can happen when the heart is not pumping as well as it should and is a key sign that something is wrong.
3. Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are when you suddenly feel your heart beating fast or skipping beats. Sometimes this feels like fluttering in the chest. While palpitations can be caused by stress or exercise, they can also be a warning sign of a heart attack if they come with other symptoms.
4. Anxiety
It is common to feel a deep sense of worry or anxiety during a heart attack. This feeling can come on suddenly and may seem very strong, otherwise known as a "sense of impending doom."
5. Dizziness
Dizziness is feeling lightheaded or as if you might faint. During a heart attack, the heart may not be able to pump blood well, and this can lead to feeling dizzy.
6. Insomnia
Insomnia means having a hard time sleeping. Although trouble sleeping is common, it can be a sign of heart stress and may show up when the heart is under strain. If you notice you are having a harder time falling or staying asleep along with other heart symptoms, consider talking to your doctor.
7. Pain in the Shoulder, Neck or Jaw
Pain does not always stay in the chest during a heart attack. Sometimes, the pain can move to the shoulder, neck or jaw. This pain is often described as a heavy or aching discomfort. It is important to know that if you feel this type of pain along with chest tightness, it could be a sign of heart trouble.
8. Nausea
Nausea is the feeling of wanting to vomit, and it sometimes happens during a heart attack. While nausea can have many causes, when it happens with chest pain or discomfort, it may be related to your heart.
9. Cold Sweat
A cold sweat is when you suddenly break out into sweat even if you are not hot. This type of sweating is not just from exercise or high temperature. It is your body’s sign that something is wrong with the heart and that the body is trying to stay safe during trouble.
10. Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest or upper stomach. While it is often linked with food or digestion problems, heartburn that comes with other symptoms like chest pain could point to a heart attack.
Additional Symptoms of a Heart Attack Due to ATTR-CM
Transthyretin amyloidosis, or ATTR-CM, is a condition where a protein called transthyretin builds up in the heart. This build-up can make the heart stiff and harder to pump blood. In addition to the symptoms above, here are some signs that a heart attack could be caused by ATTR-CM.
Edema
Edema is swelling, often in the legs or feet. When the heart does not pump blood well due to protein build-up, fluid can collect in the body.
Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia means that the heart is beating irregularly. Instead of a steady beat, the heart may beat too quickly, too slowly or in a strange rhythm. This can make you feel weak or lightheaded and is a common sign when ATTR-CM is affecting the heart.
Bloated Stomach
Some people with ATTR-CM may feel that their stomach is bloated or very full. This happens because the heart is not pumping effectively and fluid can build up in the abdomen.
Confusion
Confusion can be a sign that less oxygen is reaching the brain. When the heart cannot pump blood properly, the brain may not get enough oxygen, which can lead to trouble thinking clearly. Confusion combined with other heart symptoms should not be ignored.
Final Notes
Being aware of the different signs of a heart attack is very important. If you or someone close to you shows any of these symptoms, it is best to call for medical help right away. Acting quickly can save lives.
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