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Heart health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, yet many people remain unaware of the various symptoms that can indicate a serious condition like a heart attack. While chest pain is often the most recognised sign, other symptoms can be just as important and may even precede more obvious indicators. Among these lesser-known symptoms is nausea or the feeling of vomiting.
Understanding the potential implications of such symptoms is essential for anyone looking to maintain their health and respond appropriately to warning signs. Regarding the same, we reached out to Prof Dr Vivek Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, who detailed the topic.
Doctor Explains The Role Of Nausea In Heart Attacks
According to Prof. Dr. Vivek Gupta, nausea and vomiting can be symptoms when it comes to heart attacks. He emphasises that these feelings, which may seem like gastrointestinal issues, can actually indicate a serious cardiac event. “Nausea followed by vomiting can be one of the signs of a heart attack, which often mimics a gastrointestinal sign,” he stated.
Many individuals mistakenly attribute nausea to stomach problems or indigestion, failing to recognise that it could be related to a heart condition. Specifically, nausea may arise from inferior wall myocardial infarction, a type of heart attack that affects the lower part of the heart. This condition can lead to symptoms that are easily confused with digestive disorders.
What are the other common symptoms that people often ignore?
While severe chest pain is the most recognised symptom of a heart attack, there are several other warning signs that individuals frequently overlook, as per Dr Gupta. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely medical intervention.
- Profuse Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially without chest pain, can be a significant indicator of a heart issue. Many people dismiss mild sweating as inconsequential, but it can signal underlying problems.
- Jaw Pain: Discomfort in the jaw is often mistaken for dental issues. However, it can be a symptom of angina or a precursor to a heart attack. Patients have been known to seek dental care only to discover that their pain was heart-related.
- Back Pain: Pain in the back may be misinterpreted as spinal discomfort. This symptom can occur without any accompanying chest pain, leading to delays in seeking appropriate care.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These gastrointestinal symptoms can also be associated with heart problems, particularly in women. They are often dismissed as unrelated to cardiac health.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded during normal activities can indicate heart issues, especially if it occurs alongside other symptoms.
- Unexplained Fatigue: Sudden, unexplained fatigue or weakness can be a sign of heart trouble, particularly in women. This symptom is often overlooked or attributed to stress or lack of sleep.
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness: Feeling faint or dizzy may occur during a heart attack and should not be ignored, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
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Diagnosis & Early Treatment of Heart Attack
The expert further details that a crucial blood test for diagnosing a heart attack is the troponin test, particularly the high-sensitivity troponin I (HS troponin I) test. This test detects damage to the heart muscle, as troponin proteins are released into the bloodstream when the heart is injured. Timely medical attention is essential; seeking emergency care promptly increases the likelihood of receiving effective treatment that can save your life. It’s important to stay informed about the symptoms of a heart attack while avoiding unnecessary panic after all, not every minor ailment, like a toothache, indicates a heart attack.
Dr Vivek Gupta adds that in addition to chest pain, which is the most common symptom, other signs such as nausea, vomiting, back pain, jaw pain, and excessive sweating without chest pain can signal serious heart issues. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they may indicate underlying heart problems that require immediate attention. Recognising these signs and understanding their significance can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals experiencing a heart attack.