Chest pain. It’s the classic symptom that means “heart attack” to many people. But a study of more than 400,000 heart attack sufferers reveals that about one-third of patients do not experience chest pain. According to cardiologist Dr. James Gwinn, with The Heart Group, it’s these “silent” heart attacks that may be the most deadly.

Age and Gender May Affect Warning Signs
Studies show that certain groups are less likely to experience chest pain with a heart attack. These include women, non-Caucasians of either sex, and people who have had a stroke. “In addition, patients who are age 75 or older or who have nerve damage caused by diabetes may not be able to sense pain well,” says Dr. Gwinn. “So, they may not be aware of any chest discomfort during a heart attack. And people who experienced chest pain with a previous heart attack may not have it the next time.”

Unfortunately, Dr. Gwinn says that many people are not as familiar with other heart attack warning signs. “They tend to delay getting to a hospital—or don’t go at all—because they may think that the symptoms they are experiencing aren’t serious. This contributes to the higher death rate for heart attacks without chest pain,” explains Dr. Gwinn.

Recognizing Symptoms Can Save Your Life
A heart attack can cause a wide range of warning signs other than chest pain. According to Dr. Gwinn, these may include:

• shortness of breath
• nausea or vomiting
• pain that radiates down one or both arms
• back, neck, jaw, or stomach pain
• breaking out in a cold sweat
• severe headache—especially in older adults
• dizziness or fainting
• anxiety, weakness, or a strong feeling of doom.

“If you think you may be having a heart attack, seek help immediately,” urges Dr. Gwinn. “Hesitating out of fear of embarrassment may have serious health consequences. If you’re not sure what you’re experiencing, let the doctors decide whether or not it’s a false alarm.”

Western Baptist Hospital’s Chest Pain Hotline is provided to help people recognize the symptoms of heart attack and stroke. Call toll-free, 1-800-575-1911. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by registered nurses trained in cardiac care.

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