"Is this just ordinary tiredness, or do I need to go to hospital?" — that question crosses many people's minds while they are ignoring symptoms that could be a sign of a heart attack. This happens in particular because a heart attack does not always arrive in the form we see in films: a sudden, sharp pain in the chest with a hand clutching at the heart. There are other, less obvious symptoms — especially in women and in people with diabetes — that are often dismissed, when they deserve to be taken just as seriously.
In this article we explain the typical and atypical symptoms of a heart attack, the causes, when you must act immediately, and how Town Hospital provides specialist care for cardiac cases.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) happens when blood stops reaching part of the heart muscle in sufficient quantity, usually because of a blockage in one of the coronary arteries. Every minute counts in preserving as much healthy heart muscle as possible, and that is what makes acting quickly so important.
Symptoms
The well-known symptoms
- Pain or pressure in the middle of the chest, which may be described as heaviness or tightness
- Pain radiating to the arm (especially the left), or to the neck or the jaw
- Shortness of breath accompanying the chest pain
Less obvious symptoms (especially in women and people with diabetes)
- Sudden, unexplained fatigue
- Nausea or dizziness
- Cold sweating
- Pain in the back or the stomach with no clear cause
Symptoms in women are sometimes less obvious than in men, and this is an important reason why many cases in women are delayed in seeking medical help. Being aware of this difference can genuinely make a difference to how quickly a person acts.
Causes and risk factors
The best-known risk factors associated with a heart attack are:
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- A family history of heart disease
- Lack of movement and obesity
- Increasing age
The intense heat we live with in summer puts extra strain on the heart, especially alongside dehydration. So if you have a heart problem, it is better to drink enough water and to avoid exertion during the middle of the day.
When to call an ambulance immediately
If you feel pain or pressure in the chest lasting more than a few minutes, or accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweating, or unexplained fatigue — do not wait to see "whether it will get better on its own", and do not try to drive yourself to hospital if the symptoms are severe.
❗ In an emergency, call an ambulance immediately.
Awareness of the atypical symptoms in particular is what can make the difference in how quickly a patient reaches appropriate care, especially in women.
Treatment options
Treatment of a heart attack depends on how quickly the patient reaches hospital, the type of blockage, and their general state of health. The cardiologist is the one who determines the appropriate treatment plan after assessment and the necessary investigations, such as an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram, and certain blood tests. After the critical phase has been managed, long-term follow-up usually includes lifestyle modification and regular review with a cardiologist to reduce the risk of a repeat attack.
How Town Hospital helps you
The cardiology department at Town Hospital provides specialist care for cardiac cases around the clock, including a cardiac catheterisation unit ready for emergencies and a team of cardiology and vascular consultants. Whether your case is an emergency or you need follow-up and prevention, our team is here to help you understand your condition and make the right decision quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does a heart attack always come with clear chest pain?
No, not every heart attack comes with clear pain. There are less obvious symptoms such as sudden fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath, especially in women and in people with diabetes.
What is the difference between heart attack symptoms in men and in women?
In women, the symptoms may be less obvious and include unexplained fatigue, nausea, and pain in the back or the stomach — not only the classic chest pain.
Should I drive myself to hospital if I feel heart attack symptoms?
No, it is better to call an ambulance immediately rather than driving yourself, because the medical team can begin managing the case while on the way.
Does heat affect heart patients?
Yes, intense heat and dehydration increase the strain on the heart, so heart patients are advised to drink enough water and to avoid exertion during periods of intense heat.
When should I book a regular follow-up with a cardiologist?
If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, regular follow-up with a cardiologist is advised even if you have no current symptoms.