According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) claim 1.79 crore deaths each year, with heart attacks and strokes causing more than four out of five of these deaths. One of the reasons is the lack of clarity around the symptoms. Heart attack is among the most common cardiac issues in today’s time, affecting even the younger population. It is often referred to as a silent killer, as it usually shows no symptoms or may send mild signals that are easily mistaken for other benign conditions. In this article, we will focus on 'shoulder pain’ as a sign of a heart attack and how it can be recognised over time. But before that, let us understand why heart attacks occur.
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Heart Attack Symptoms
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage deprives the heart tissue of oxygen, leading to damage to the affected heart muscle cells, in turn resulting in a cardiac event.
Severe chest pain or discomfort are one of the initial signs of the event. Dr Subrat Akhoury, Director-Cath Lab and Interventional Cardiologist and Head, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, described it as a crushing or burning sensation, accompanied by difficulty breathing or a sensation of breathlessness.
One may also experience nausea, vomiting, or profuse sweating, closely associated with cardiac-related shoulder pain, added Dr Akhoury.
How To Know If Your Shoulder Pain Is A Sign?
Shoulder pain can be a lesser-known sign of a heart attack, particularly in women, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology.
According to Dr Akhoury, identifying heart attack-related shoulder pain is crucial for early intervention.
He said, "While not all shoulder pain indicates a heart attack, specific characteristics provide valuable indicators," adding that cardiac-related shoulder pain presents specific characteristics that distinguish it from musculoskeletal discomfort.
Mostly, this pain radiates from the chest into the left or occasionally right shoulder, setting it apart from ordinary muscle soreness.
Unlike typical muscle pain that might ease with changes in position or activity level, heart-related shoulder pain tends to persist, remaining constant even with adjustments, warned Dr Akhoury.
He further noted, "The pain may intensify during physical activity or heightened stress levels, especially when concurrent with other cardiac symptoms such as chest pain. While cardiac-related shoulder pain is commonly associated with the left shoulder, it's crucial to recognise that it can also affect the right shoulder, requiring equal attention and caution."
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Immediate Steps To Take
In the event of a heart attack, here are some of the immediate steps to take:
Call an emergency helpline number (112 or 102) for an ambulance. If an ambulance is not available, have a neighbour or friend drive you to the nearest hospital. Driving yourself is a last resort, as your condition may worsen, posing risks to you and others.
According to Dr Akhoury, you can take an aspirin, which helps prevent blood clotting and, when taken during a heart attack, may reduce heart damage. However, avoid aspirin if you are allergic to it or have been advised against it by your healthcare provider.
Initiate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if the person goes unconscious, does not breathe, or has no pulse. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chance of survival after cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available and the person is unconscious, follow the device instructions for proper usage.
Conclusion
Shoulder pain can be one of the most overlooked signs of a heart attack. While not all shoulder discomfort is related to the heart, recognising other symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations, can help determine the cause. In the event of a heart attack, take immediate steps and make decisions that involve getting medical support. Performing CPR can also help save a life.