When Does Chest Pain Become a Cardiac Emergency?

If a person experiences chest pain, urgency may set in quickly. However, people must be able to adapt, listen to their bodies, and acknowledge signs of a cardiac emergency, such as a heart attack. Since many symptoms of a cardiac emergency overlap, such as anxiety, weakness, and fainting, it can be difficult to determine if the symptoms are caused by a cardiac emergency or chalked up to bad indigestion.

Thankfully, individuals can consider preventative cardiology and treatment options. There are preventative measures that can decrease the risk of a cardiovascular event. In addition, treatment options can provide information on the heart’s health and the health of surrounding organs.

What Happens When a Cardiac Emergency Occurs?

When a blood clot blocks one of the coronary arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, a heart attack can occur. When blood flow is blocked, the heart is starved of oxygen, and its cells die. For instance, when plaque causes an acute blood clot, the heart cannot pump blood correctly.

The build-up of plaque causes heart attacks. Plaque builds up in the walls of the coronary arteries. Cholesterol and other substances make up the plaque, disrupting blood flow. The most common cause of a heart attack is the rupture of plaque. When this happens, blood platelets and other substances are triggered to form a blood clot at the site, blocking most of the oxygen-carrying blood flow to the heart muscle.

When Can a Heart Attack Take Place?

A heart attack can take place at any time. However, there are certain conditions under which a cardiovascular event may occur.  For example, a heart attack can occur:

• After sudden, severe emotional or physical stress, including an illness
• When you are resting or asleep
• When you are active outside in cold weather
• After a sudden increase in physical activity

Additionally, there are risk factors for a cardiac event. Some of the risk factors that can help decrease the chances of developing heart disease include:

• Quitting smoking
• Exercising at least 30 minutes a day
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Selecting healthy food options
• Controlling high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes

A heart attack is an extreme medical emergency. If symptoms are suspected, contact emergency services immediately.

What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

To better understand what occurs during a heart attack, the symptoms must be acknowledged. Cardiovascular events can lead to a number of symptoms that can be life-threatening if left untreated. Some may feel pain in one part of the body, such as the shoulder, arm, jaw, or neck. These are strong indicators of a heart attack.

While not all individuals will experience the same symptoms when a heart attack takes place, those experiencing a cardiovascular event will likely experience a range of symptoms consisting of:

• Cough
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
• Vomiting

More specifically, a cardiovascular event may cause pain ranging from mild to severe. Pain may feel similar to:

• Something heavy is sitting only on your chest
• Bad indigestion
• A tight band around the chest
• Squeezing or heavy pressure

Some symptoms and pain may come and go. While many individuals experience a form of pain or discomfort, some people only suffer from what is labeled as a “silent heart attack.” A silent heart attack may present with no symptoms. However, common symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath.

Find a Cardiologist

If you experience chest pain, contact 911 immediately. By understanding the signs of a cardiovascular event, patients can better recognize when a heart attack is taking place. Thankfully, Apex Cardiology has the industry’s fastest and highest resolution scanner.

Contact Apex Cardiology today to learn more about our treatment options and latest technology.