Spotting the signs of a heart attack

Key takeaways

• A heart attack is where blood flow to the heart is restricted by a blockage or blood clot
• This can cause the heart to go without oxygen, which can be fatal
• If you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack, dial 999 immediately
• Pain is typically focused in the centre of the chest
• Other symptoms include pain in either arm, the jaw, or neck, profuse sweating, grey or pale skin, and shortness of breath
• A heart attack is usually sudden and can occur whilst resting

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is when the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly cut off, usually by a blood clot.

These blockages can prevent oxygen reaching the heart and cause damage and death to muscle tissue. Heart attacks are the leading cause of cardiac arrest worldwide.

Heart attacks are serious medical emergencies that can be fatal. Those who survive a heart attack often live with ongoing cardiac problems that require monitoring and regular intervention.

The facts and figures

• Around 1.4 million people alive in the UK today have survived a heart attack
• Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of a heart attack
• Someone is admitted to hospital every five minutes with a heart attack
• Nearly all damage to the heart takes place within the first few hours
• Small adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle can help lower your risk of having a heart attack

Spotting the signs of a heart attack

If someone is in visible discomfort and complaining of chest pain, they may be having a heart attack. Recognising the symptoms can help save their life.

It’s important to remember that all heart attacks are different. A few, some, or none of the symptoms listed below may be present. If in doubt, don’t wait – call 999 and act immediately.

We’ve listed some of the most common symptoms associated with a heart attack, below:

• Pain in the central chest area
• Accompanying pain in either arm, the neck, jaw, back, or shoulders
• Shortness of breath
• Profuse sweating
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heightened anxiety or feelings of ‘impending doom’
• Pale/grey skin

Are there any ‘silent’ symptoms?

Sometimes an individual can experience a ‘silent’ heart attack. This is where you have a heart attack without any of the typical symptoms listed above being present. This is a common presentation in diabetics.

You may even have a heart attack without knowing it. These heart attacks may only register with the individual once an MRI (magnetic scan) or ECG (electrical tracing of the heart) has taken place.

Symptomless heart attacks are most common in diabetic people and the elderly. Aside from this, the risk factors and severity of a silent heart attack are largely the same as a ‘normal’ one.

If you think you’re having a heart attack…

If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 999 immediately.

Communicate your symptoms to the emergency services over the phone and try not to panic. Make yourself comfortable by sitting down in a comfortable.

If you aren’t allergic, chewing on a 300mg Aspirin tablet can help until the emergency services arrive or soluble Aspirin

How should you react?

1. If you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack, always call 999
2. Sit the casualty down and do not allow them to walk around
3. Make them comfortable and give reassurance to help lower stress and anxiety
4. Allow the casualty to take their glyceryl tri-nitrate (G.T.N.) medication if they have it
5. If the casualty is not allergic, sensitive to aspirin, or under 16, allow them to slowly chew an Aspirin 300mg tablet if one is available or soluble Aspirin
6. Monitor their pulse and breathing for any drastic changes
7. If the casualty becomes unconscious, be prepared to attempt CPR (Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation)
8. Wait for the emergency services to arrive. They may ask you for any basic information about the casualty and their condition if available, keep the AED handy

Is angina the same as a heart attack?

An angina attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is partially restricted.

Whilst these attacks are usually less serious than a heart attack, they may feel similar and can be a sign of coronary heart disease or an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.

The difference between a heart attack and an angina attack is the extent to which the affected artery is blocked. With angina, blood flow is typically restricted or lowered, allowing some blood to continue through to the heart.

In the event of a heart attack, the artery is usually completely blocked, causing significant damage to the heart because the transportation of oxygen in the blood is shut off.

Signs of an angina attack

Unlike heart attacks, angina attacks typically occur during physical exertion. They can also occur because of stress or due to extreme weather conditions.

Common signs and symptoms of an angina attack include:

• Pain in the central chest area
• Accompanying pain in either arm, the neck, jaw, back, or shoulders
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Pale skin

Treating an angina attack

If the casualty confirms they have angina, use the treatment steps below:

1. Sit the casualty down and do not allow them to walk around
2. Make them comfortable and give reassurance to help lower stress and anxiety
3. Allow the casualty to take their glyceryl tri-nitrate (G.T.N.) medication if they have it
4. Call 999 if you are in any doubt

Should I call 999 for a suspected angina attack?

If you suspect a heart attack, always dial 999.

If the casualty has angina, use follow the steps above. Otherwise, call 999 immediately if:

• The casualty has severe chest pain and has not been diagnosed with angina
• The symptoms are different, or worse than their normal angina attacks
• The pain doesn’t go away after 15 minutes or after administering angina medication
• The pain has come on whilst the casualty is resting or it has woken them up
• You are in any doubt

References and authors

This article was written by Emily Osborne, who is a Regional Health and Safety Trainer at Nuffield Health. Clinical information and guidance was provided by Dr Unnati Desai and Dr Asif Naseem.

Last updated Tuesday 18 June 2024

First published on Tuesday 18 June 2024