The heart is an incredible muscular pump, no larger than your fist, is the center of attention this month. Every second someone dies of a heart-related ailment. You need to know that it is important if you are a heart attack victim to be fortunate enough to recognize the condition and get help fast.
 
While prevention is always the best strategy, heart disease already affects millions of Americans. It seems most fitting then to jump ahead to find out how to quickly recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and how to prevent permanent damage.

Heart attacks often start slowly. Yes, there is the occasional heart attack that can knock victims off their feet, but most heart attacks have signs and symptoms that can be easily mistaken for something else. Here’s what to watch for:
 
   Chest pain or discomfort. The pain may feel like a vague (or strong) pressure or squeezing deep in your chest. It may also feel more like indigestion or heartburn. Some heart attacks don’t cause any chest discomfort at all.
 
Pain or discomfort that moves to other parts of the body. Sometimes when your heart is short of oxygen, as in a heart attack, the nerves elsewhere perceive the pain. It’s not uncommon for the discomfort to be felt in the back, neck, jaw and either or both arms. Sometimes the discomfort is also felt in the abdomen.
 
  Shortness of breath. This may or may not be present depending on what else is going on and what part of the heart is affected. Pay attention. Difficulty breathing is always a reason to take notice and get help.
 
Sweating. You may suddenly start sweating even though your environment is not warm. You may also look pale, “ashen” (gray), or have bluish discoloration around your lips or nails (this is a serious sign of poor oxygenation).

Nausea and/or vomiting. These are common events during a heart attack.

Fatigue or weakness. This is due to a number of factors including the possibility of poor output of blood to the rest of your body.

Irregular pulse. Depending on what part of your heart may be experiencing the lack of oxygen, irregular beats or a heart rate that is far too slow or too fast may be cause for concern.

Anxiety and denial. Don’t ignore your instincts; don’t brush this off as anxiety. Don’t look for reasons why you’re not having a heart attack.

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