Anyone can mistake heart problems for acid reflux, gas or a pulled muscle. Many people don’t realize before it’s too late: any discomfort in the chest area calls for examination by a medical professional. Many people have heart attacks without having what is thought of as “traditional chest pains.”

Any of these symptoms – along with any chest discomfort, such as tightness or squeezing – could be the signs of a heart attack:

  • Sweating or cold sweat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain in the upper abdomen, back, neck, jaw, left shoulder and arm
  • Pain in the right shoulder and arm
  • Lightheadedness
  • Anxiety
  • A fear of impending doom or death

And, for women, the signs can be even more subtle, and there may be no discomfort in the chest area at all. Here are the signs to look for:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Pressure or pain in the lower chest, upper abdomen or upper back
  • Lightheadedness or fainting

HCA Midwest Health offers a couple of important ways to discover whether you or someone you care about may be at risk for a heart attack. First, check out our free Online Heart Disease Risk Assessment. Second, a yearly visit with your doctor – including full blood work – can find risks that can be treated before they become a major issue.


Learn more about decoding heartburn from a heart attack and find out ways to reduce your chances of both.


tags: heart care , t4b