The typical signs of a heart attack we are often warned about include chest pain and shortness of breath. However, our body also gives us many other warnings that we often take for granted.
"As strange as it may seem, it seems to be just about anything sometimes," said Dr. Leroy Caudill, am emergency room physician at Martha Jefferson Hospital.
Women tend to have uncommon symptoms much more often than men. A recent study showed that 43 percent of women with heart attacks did not have the normal warning signs.
"They don't describe it as chest pain, but rather more of a discomfort," said Dr. Caudill. "Sometimes it is epigastric, like indigestion. Sometimes they notice they are short of breath when they exert themselves, or they feel sweaty, so nothing specific."
Whether male or female, if you think you are experiencing symptoms, you need to go to the emergency room to get them check out. Often times, the best signal you can give yourself is whether or not you're mentally trying to brush off how you're feeling as no big deal.
"If you have symptoms that are worsening, you need to be seen. If you have sudden onset of chest pain, particularly with sweating or nausea, you need to be seen," said Dr. Caudill.
And although some people are more at risk, everyone should heed the warnings.
"Every one of us has stories about the healthy 35 year old that runs every day and just suddenly dropped. I had a woman here the other day complaining of indigestion and she was having a heart attack. We all have these stories, so you need to pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you," commented Dr. Caudill.
If you would like more information on this topic, call Health Connection at (434) 654-7009.
If you have a question of your own you'd like us to answer, email healthqusetions@nbc29.com
