Do You Know How To Recognize The Symptoms Of A Heart Attack In Time?

Not all heart attacks announce their arrival with intense chest pain. Experts warn that symptoms can be subtle or confusing to those experiencing them, and timely action is key to saving lives.

When the heart stops receiving the blood it needs, every minute counts. For many, the typical image of a heart attack comes from movies: sudden chest pain, labored breathing, and an immediate fall to the ground.

But the reality is much more complex and dangerous: the symptoms of a heart attack can appear gradually, camouflage themselves among common ailments, and even resemble digestive problems or intense stress.

“The heart needs constant blood to survive and function,” explains Dr. Miguel Quiñones, a cardiologist at Houston Methodist Hospital. “ When the heart muscle begins to deteriorate, we have a critical window for intervention. Getting there early can significantly minimize the damage .”

The importance of the first 90 minutes

Specialists agree: receiving medical attention within the first 90 minutes after the onset of heart attack symptoms can mean the difference between life and death. Calling emergency services immediately activates a rapid care protocol, in which the patient is evaluated by a specialized team while bypassing conventional emergency procedures.

“Time is of the essence to reduce the impact on the heart muscle,” adds Dr. Quiñones. “Even if there is already damage, it will be much less than if the intervention is delayed.”

Initial diagnosis usually includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac marker tests. Based on the results, doctors may administer clot-busting medications or perform revascularization procedures with an interventional cardiologist.

Lesser-known symptoms that also require urgent treatment

While severe chest pain and shortness of breath are the most recognizable symptoms, they only occur in about half of heart attacks. Other signs can be mistaken for indigestion, the flu, or even dental problems.

“ Some people experience jaw pain, excessive sweating, or vomiting and think it’s something else. Others attribute palpitations or fatigue to stress or hormones,” explains Dr. Quiñones. Patients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, may experience atypical symptoms, such as extreme fatigue or shortness of breath, without chest pain.

Recognizing these signs is vital. What many describe as “feeling weird” or “not being able to breathe properly” can be an early warning sign of a heart attack.

Prevention: the most effective strategy

Most heart attacks develop due to the gradual buildup of plaques made of cholesterol and other substances in the arteries, which over time can cause dangerous blockages. “These plaques take decades to form, so prevention is key,” says Dr. Quiñones.

Quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight are all measures that significantly reduce the risk of a heart attack. Even those who already have risk factors can benefit from medication and lifestyle changes.

Talking to a doctor about your personal risk and learning to identify the symptoms of a heart attack can mean the difference between life and death. “Never hesitate to call emergency services. Recognizing the early signs saves lives,” the specialist concludes.