To know for sure if what you are experiencing is a heart attack, it requires monitoring and an official medical diagnosis as several things may masquerade as a heart attack but be less serious potentially. These may include an anxiety or panic attack, gastroesophageal reflux disease, muscle or bone problems, an out of place rib, lung conditions or diseases, stomach problems, stress, and depression.

Its important though if you are experiencing classic symptoms to make sure you get checked ASAP, its far better to err on the side of caution than it is to think “Oh, I’ll be ok” and just try to grin, bear it, and ride it out if it happens to actually be a legitimate heart attack.

What to look out for:

Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or to your back

Nausea

Indigestion

Heartburn

Abdominal pain

Shortness of breath

Cold sweats

Fatigue

Lightheadedness

Dizziness

Chest pain is the number one sign that your heart is in danger. It may feel like a tightness, pressure, or just pure pain. If this is accompanied by left arm radiating pain and jaw or throat tightness that is the triple combo that is nearly a sure signal. Call 911 or get to the ER immediately.

Heart attacks can happen to anyone at any time. Often people do not know that they have a heart condition until the day they have a heart attack. You know your body better than anyone. If something feels wrong, don’t just ignore it.

If you are looking for a great cardiologist to follow up within the Tampa, Florida area come see the experts at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. www.tampacardio.com (813) 975-2800.