bjm54Hello and welcome to HealingWell. It can be difficult or even impossible to tell what's causing chest pain. Heart attack symptoms vary widely, making it hard to know whether a heart attack or something else is causing your discomfort.
Be on the lookout for these heart-related warning signs:
Sudden pressure, tightening, squeezing or crushing pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minute.
Mild chest or upper body pain or discomfort — most heart attack symptoms start slowly.
Pain or discomfort spreading to the back, neck, jaw, stomach, shoulders or arms — especially the left arm.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Chest discomfort accompanied by sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness or nausea.
Pressure or tightness in the chest during physical activity or when you're under emotional stress.
The most common symptom of heart attack for both men and women is chest pain or discomfort.
Occasional bouts of heartburn are common. If you have persistent heartburn or take antacids daily, consult your doctor. Your heartburn may be a symptom of GERD or another condition.
If the heartburn seems worse or different than usual — especially if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea or pain radiating into your shoulder and arm — get emergency help immediately. These signs and symptoms may indicate a heart attack.
If you do not have your insurance card yet, call the company and ask for your ID number and group number as well as the name of the insurance company ( Blue Cross, Humana etc.) and present this info to the ER or Drs. office as they can contact the insurance company and verify your insurance.
To help you decrease your anxiety when this pain strikes try the following breathing exercise:
Deep Breathing
1. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose. Keep
your shoulders relaxed. Your abdomen should expand, and your chest should rise
very little.
2.Exhale
slowly through your mouth. As you blow air out, purse your lips slightly, but
keep your jaw relaxed. You may hear a soft “whooshing” sound as you exhale.
3.Repeat this
breathing exercise for several minutes.
You can perform this exercise as often as needed. It
can be done standing up, sitting down or lying down.
Just FYI, if you feel you are having a heart attack, remember to call 911 as they will get you into an ER.
Kindly,
Kitt