5 Signs of a Heart Attack

It’s estimated that more than one million Americans suffer a heart attack every year. Traditional symptoms, such as chest pain or pressure, or weakness of the body are well known; however, there are more subtle signs to look out for.

If you experience any of these, it’s important to make an appointment with your care provider. Noticing these signs early can save your life, or the life of someone you love.

Pain or discomfort in the chest: According to the American Heart Association, most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes.

Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting

Shortness of breath: Women are more likely than men to experience shortness of breath during a heart attack

Discomfort or pain in the arm or shoulder

Throat, neck or jaw discomfort: According to the American Heart Association, just like men, women’s most common sign of a heart attack is chest discomfort, however, women are more likely than men to experience back or jaw pain.

Get familiar with the signs for heart attack. If you experience heart attack warning signs, call 911.

About Dr. Edmund Kerut:

Dr. Kerut graduated with special distinction in biomedical engineering from Mississippi State University, where he is currently an adjunct professor of engineering. He then received his M.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He completed an internal medicine residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, followed by a cardiology fellowship at the University of Maryland. He is board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, echocardiology, and cardiac computed tomography (cardiac CT).

Dr. Kerut is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American Society of Echocardiography. He is a diplomat in cardiovascular computed tomography as well as transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. He sub-specializes in non-invasive heart testing (echo and CT) and has a strong interest in preventive cardiovascular care. Additionally, for over 20 years, Dr. Kerut has evaluated commercial and recreational divers from all over North America with unexplained decompression sickness for heart or lung shunts.