Subtle sign of heart attack people often ignore, according to doctor

09 February 2024 , 16:17

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Subtle sign of heart attacks often ignored says doctor (Stock Photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

There are few things more important than your heart health. Most of us try our best to live the most healthy lifestyle possible, but there's always room for improvement. Many factors can seriously impact the state of our cardiac health like what food and drink we consume, how active we are, and whether we regularly partake in unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol and smoking.

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked. Two major symptoms of heart attacks are well known - shooting pain in our left arms and, of course, pain in our chests - but an expert cardiologist has revealed that there is one symptom that can occur but is often dismissed, partly because it is so subtle.

As reported in the Huffington Post, nausea can be a signal that a heart attack is occurring, but it is very unlikely to be the only symptom that presents itself, so next time your stomach feels uneasy, don't panic. Most commonly nausea will be caused by something less serious like food poisoning or the flu.

If nausea is experienced alongside symptoms like shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, tightness, and pressure, or pain that spreads to other parts of your body like your jaw or back, then it may be cause for concern. Expert cardiologist - Dr. Sean Heffron - explains that symptoms arising in the stomach can occur "tends to depend somewhat on which blood vessel in the heart is affected".

It is "not uncommon during a cardiac event" to experience nausea and vomiting, but these are symptoms more likely to affect women, rather than men, and according to the British Heart Foundation, 33 percent of women "had pain that radiated to their jaw or back and women were also more likely to experience nausea in addition to chest pain" during heart attacks, compared to 19 percent of men.

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However, men are more likely to experience include heartburn, "back pain, or pain that was burning, stabbing or similar to that of indigestion".

If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack you must call 999 for an ambulance without delay, as early intervention gives you the best chance of recovery. If you can take aspirin then you should chew some as you wait for help, it is also important to stay calm and rest to ensure you "avoid unnecessary strain on your heart" - per the NHS.

The British Heart Foundation reports that "women may be less likely to get medical help and treatment quickly, despite the warning signs. Early treatment is essential to limit the amount of damage to the heart," so it is important to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of a cardiac event.

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Emma Mackenzie