Heart attacks are often sudden and life-threatening. They can begin with mild to moderate symptoms such as chest discomfort and shortness of breath, escalating to severe complications like intense pain in various parts of the body, including the jaw, shoulder, and arms. But overall, chest pain is a classic sign in almost all cases of heart attack, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). However, it is important to note that chest pain does not always indicate a heart attack; in many cases, it is benign and resolves on its own. But how do we differentiate between chest pain associated with a heart attack and one that is benign and manageable? Here’s what an expert has to say.
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Chest Pain Can Have Various Causes
According to Dr Tanmai Yermal (Jain), Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which can result in burning feelings in the chest due to acid reflux, are examples of possible causes of chest pain other than a heart attack.
He adds that chest pain, which can be accompanied by shortness of breath and a fast heartbeat, can also be brought on by anxiety and panic attacks. Not to mention an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the sternum in musculoskeletal disorders such as costochondritis that can also trigger a sharp pain in the chest.
How To Identify Chest Pain Associated With Heart Attack?
Dr Yermal describes heart attack-related chest discomfort as a feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the middle of the chest.
He says, "This pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, and back."
It is also important to consider associated symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and lightheadedness. The discomfort frequently lasts longer than a few minutes or fades and returns, says the doctor, adding that a sense of impending doom or excessive tiredness can accompany it.
What To Do In The Event Of A Heart Attack?
One of the first things to do in the aftermath of a heart attack is to contact emergency services right away, advises Dr Yermal.
He recommends ensuring that the affected person remains as calm and still as possible to prevent further strain on the heart, and he shares that giving the patient chewable aspirin can assist in thinning the blood if they are conscious and do not have an aspirin allergy.
One must also keep an eye on the person's breathing and pulse. If they pass out and are not breathing, performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can keep the brain and other organs supplied with oxygen until medical assistance can come.
The AHA suggests CPR is an effective way to increase the chances of survival for people who have sudden cardiac arrest. In fact, as per 2021 US data for adult Out-of-Hospital-Cardiac-Arrests (OHCA) only, survival to hospital discharge was 9.1% for all Emergency Medical Services (EMS)-treated non-traumatic OHCA cardiac arrests.
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How To Tackle Severe Chest Pain?
If you have severe chest pain, it is crucial to first determine the underlying cause, depending on which you can then seek proper treatment, as suggested by a healthcare professional.
Dr Yermal says, “Facing severe chest pain should be handled carefully. We should immediately reach out to the nearest hospital or clinic and get evaluated. If chest pain is associated with any other cardiac symptoms, then ask for help and immediately seek emergency medical assistance.”
He further recommends avoiding eating or drinking, and if you are not allergic, chewing aspirin can help thin the blood and improve your chances of survival.
The doctor also advises against wasting time by following home remedies and taking telephonic or social media-based treatments.