September 25, 2024: Due to the changing lifestyle and poor eating habits in today’s world, cases of heart attacks are rapidly increasing both in the country and globally. Previously, this disease primarily affected middle-aged individuals, but now heart attacks have become so common that even young people are falling victim to them. Various factors contribute to heart attacks, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. If a patient experiencing a heart attack is not taken to the hospital immediately, it can even lead to death.
Most people associate heart attack pain primarily with the chest; however, this is not the case. Before a heart attack, various parts of our body begin to signal distress. While it is commonly believed that heart attack pain is linked to the chest, symptoms can manifest in several other areas of the body. Dr. Akash Shah, a consulting pathologist at Neuberg Diagnostics in Ahmedabad, explains where heart attack pain can occur apart from the chest.
Pain in Other Body Parts:
- Neck, Jaw, and Shoulder Pain: Heart attack pain can radiate from the chest to the neck, jaw, and shoulders. This is more common in women and is often misdiagnosed as a dental or muscle issue.
- Arm Pain: Persistent pain in the left arm is another symptom of a heart attack. The discomfort can extend to the left arm and, in some cases, can affect both arms, resulting in a feeling of heaviness or pain.
- Back Pain: Some heart attack patients report pain in the upper back, particularly between the shoulder blades. This symptom is more frequently experienced by women but is often mistaken for muscle strain or fatigue.
- Abdominal Pain: Pain in the upper abdomen, often mistaken for indigestion, can also indicate a heart attack. This is especially true if it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. In such cases, one should seek immediate medical advice.