A heart attack occurs when a clot or blockage stops blood from reaching the heart. The heart needs a steady flow of blood to work well. When blood flow is interrupted, the heart muscle can become weak or even die. Many things can raise the chance of a heart attack. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and a family history of heart problems can all put you at risk.

Chest pain is one sign of a heart attack. Not all chest pain is from a heart attack, but some types of pain need quick care. In this article, we discuss four warning signs that your chest pain could signify a heart attack.

Pressure or Squeezing in the Chest

One of the most common signs of a heart attack is a strong pressure or squeezing feeling in the chest. You may feel as if someone is sitting on your chest. The pain may start in the center of your chest or on the left side. This type of pain is usually steady and lasts for several minutes. It is different from the pain that comes from indigestion or a pulled muscle. If you feel a heavy pressure or squeezing in your chest, it is important not to wait. Call for emergency help right away.

Pain That Spreads to Other Areas

Chest pain from a heart attack can also move to other parts of the body. You may feel pain in your arms, neck, jaw, or back. The pain often moves to the left arm, but it can appear in both arms. This spreading pain happens because the nerves in these areas share signals with the heart. When you feel pain moving from your chest to other parts of your body, it is a warning sign. Do not ignore it. Get help immediately if the pain spreads.

Trouble Breathing

Another warning sign of an impending heart attack is having trouble breathing. You might feel as if you cannot get enough air. This symptom can come with chest pain or even before the chest pain starts. When the heart is not pumping well, the lungs may not get the blood they need. This can make you feel short of breath or like you are breathing faster than usual. If you have chest pain and you also feel like you are struggling to breathe, you should get help as soon as possible.

Sweating, Nausea, or Feeling Dizzy

Some people have other symptoms, along with chest pain. You might start sweating a lot, feel sick to your stomach, or feel dizzy. These symptoms happen because the body is under stress. Sweating, nausea, and dizziness may come with chest pain during a heart attack. When these symptoms appear, they can be a sign that your heart is in trouble. If you feel these signs along with chest pain, do not delay in calling for help.

What to Do if You Have These Signs

If you think you are having a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if the pain goes away. It is best to call emergency services right away. When you call, explain your symptoms clearly. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. Quick treatment can save your heart and your life.

When you reach the hospital, doctors will run tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests. These tests help doctors see if your heart has been hurt. They may give you medicine to break up clots or perform procedures to open blocked arteries.

How to Protect Your Heart

Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack is very important. However, it is also good to work on keeping your heart healthy. You can help lower your risk by making a few changes in your life:

Eat Healthy: Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid too much salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Exercise Regularly: Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days. Walking, biking, or swimming are good choices.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can hurt your heart. If you smoke, find help to quit.
Control Your Weight: Being overweight can put extra strain on your heart. Eating well and exercising can help you keep a healthy weight.
Manage Stress: Find ways to relax. You can try deep breathing, reading, or spending time with family and friends.
Regular Check-Ups: Visit your doctor regularly to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.