The most common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina (also called angina pectoris). Angina is often referred to as chest pain. It is also described as chest discomfort, heaviness, tightness, pressure, aching, burning, numbness, fullness, or squeezing. It can be mistaken for indigestion or heartburn. Angina is usually felt in the chest, but may also be felt in the left shoulder, arms, neck, back or jaw. If you have angina or any of the symptoms listed below that last for more than 5 minutes, SEEK EMERGENCY TREATMENT (CALL 9-1-1) WITHOUT DELAY. These symptoms could be the signs of a heart attack (also called myocardial infarction or MI) and immediate treatment is essential. * Pain or discomfort in other areas of the upper body including the arms, left shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or stomach * Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath * Sweating or “cold sweat” * Fullness, indigestion, or choking feeling (may feel like “heartburn”) * Nausea or vomiting * Light-headedness, dizziness, extreme weakness or anxiety * Rapid or irregular heart beats Call 9-1-1 – Not a friend Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get life-saving treatment. Due to the possible benefits of taking aspirin early on during a heart attack, emergency personnel may tell you to chew an aspirin if there is no medical reason for you to avoid aspirin. When they arrive, emergency personnel can promptly begin treatment, and they are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Also, you’re likelier to get treated faster at the hospital if you arrive by ambulance. If you are having symptoms, do not drive yourself unless there is absolutely no other option. If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin and you experience angina, stop what you are doing and rest. Take one nitroglycerin tablet and let it dissolve under your tongue, or if using the spray form, spray it under your tongue. Wait 5 minutes. If you still have angina after 5 minutes, call 9-1-1 to get emergency help. DO NOT DELAY. Due to the possible benefits of taking aspirin early on during a heart attack, emergency personnel may tell you to chew an aspirin if there is no medical reason for you to avoid aspirin. After calling 9-1-1, continue taking your nitroglycerin as prescribed. Symptoms of coronary artery disease in women: Studies show that women's symptoms are less likely identified as heart disease related. The symptoms of coronary artery disease and heart attack can be different for women than they are in men. Women are also less likely to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and seek treatment. By learning and recognizing the symptoms, women can become assertive in their treatment. The most common symptoms of heart disease in women are: * Pain or pressure over the chest that travels to the arm or jaw * A burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen * Shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, sweating, fatigue and nausea. On average, symptoms of heart disease appear 10 years later in women than men. Women tend to have heart attacks 10 years later than men do. In addition, women often report their symptoms before having a heart attack, although the symptoms are not typical “heart” symptoms. In a multi-center study of 515 women who had an acute myocardial infarction (MI), the most frequently reported symptoms were unusual fatigue, sleep disturbances, shortness of breath, indigestion and anxiety. The majority of women (78%) reported at least one symptom for more than one month before their heart attack. Only 30% reported chest discomfort, which was described as an aching, tightness, pressure, sharpness, burning, fullness or tingling.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
