Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for an estimated 1.79 crore deaths each year, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). More than four out of five CVD deaths are caused by heart attacks and strokes, and one-third of these deaths occur prematurely in people under 70 years of age, the health body states.
A heart attack is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is reduced to a great extent or blocked due to factors such as cholesterol buildup in the arteries. While most cases of heart attack come with no noticeable symptoms, in certain cases, there may be mild and unusual indications, including arm pain. But how do you know if it is a heart attack?
Also Read: Silent Heart Attack: Can You Have A Heart Attack And Not Know It?
Heart Attack Can Lead To Unusual Symptoms
A heart attack is often associated with intense chest pain and dizziness. However, they can manifest in other surprising ways.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr V Vinoth Kumar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad, shares, "Unusual signs of a heart attack may include jaw or back pain, particularly in women; shortness of breath without chest pain, more prevalent in older adults or those with diabetes; unexplained and extreme fatigue (especially in women); and nausea or vomiting alongside other symptoms."
One may also feel weak, light-headed, faint, or break out into a cold sweat.
How To Know If Arm Pain Is Related To Heart Attack?
According to Dr Kumar, arm pain is another unusual symptom of a heart attack, which can be hard to track and recognise.
She shares, “Identifying arm pain associated with a heart attack involves recognising specific characteristics.”
“This pain typically concentrates in the left arm but may extend to the right or both arms, often radiating from the chest. Described as a dull, aching, or squeezing sensation, it can also manifest suddenly and intensely. Such arm pain is commonly accompanied by symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats,” he explains.
Risk Factors To Consider
Some of the factors that put people at risk of a heart attack include:
- Age, especially for men over 45 and women over 55
- Men are generally at a higher risk for heart attacks than premenopausal women. However, the risk for women increases after menopause.
- Having a family history of heart disease
- Tobacco use and alcohol consumption
- Elevated blood pressure levels or hypertension
- High cholesterol levels
- People with diabetes
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet comprising saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and sugar
- Chronic stress
Immediate Actions To Take In The Event Of A Heart Attack
“In the event of a heart attack, immediate actions are crucial,” says Dr Kumar.
“Emergency services should be contacted promptly, and if advised by a healthcare professional, chewing an aspirin can help thin the blood,” he advises.
Adding further, he recommends resting and maintaining calmness.
In severe cases where the person becomes unresponsive and isn't breathing normally, performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), if trained, becomes essential for immediate intervention.