Am I Having A Heart Attack: 5 Things To Know

If you think you are having a heart attack call 911 immediately.
The surgeons would once again like to thank Dr. Mike Heffernan for discussing 5 signs that you may be having a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction. We discuss chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, heart racing (palpitations) and nausea. We discuss the fact that some, all, or none of these symptoms may be present during a heart attack. We also discuss survivorship and the fact that 1 in 4 people having a heart attack die before making it to hospital.
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Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.
General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practise medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

[@TrisWood]

I was 33 when I had my first heart attack. I had a faulty gene that stopped my body processing cholesterol properly. I was lucky as they got me back on my third resuscitation. I had another attack 18 months later. A couple of things, I knew instantly that I was having a heart attack, even though there was no family history of attacks. The feeling was a sharp pinching pain in the top centre of my chest. My brain said heart attack even though I was only 33. I just knew. The other thing I have not noticed people mentioning is cramps. About a month before, I started to get insane cramping, especially around the ribs. It was so painful that it would floor me. My advice is trust what your body is telling you.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes Tris. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@mitchelllight4085]

Yesss I agree, our body will tell us if we listen to it

[@piperlynne1]

Unfortunately when younger people have chest pain like my daughter did the Dr's in the ER did not take her seriously and minimized her symptoms and didn't even check her heart. They left her in a room for hours and then the ER Dr. told her she should go home because she was young it wasn't going to be her heart and they told her to take something for heartburn. It wasn't heartburn we learned later. I just wish all Dr's would take their patients seriously. We are told if you are unsure go to the ER so then we do we aren't taken seriously and are made to feel stupid for going. It's hard enough to go to the ER when you don't know what is going on with your body but to be treated like you are an idiot just makes it worse. Wish we had more Dr's like you guys.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi piperlynne1. So sorry to hear that. Yes an ekg would likely be the minimum to start. Hope she is ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@maryramirezgreene1455]

The same thing happened to our family. My son, 22 years old at the time, suddenly started having “episodes” of his heart racing from a normal heart rate to up to 160 in a matter of seconds. He had always been fit and athletic but these episodes would come at times that he could be be sitting in a chair. He described it as being punched in the chest. We went through several 911 calls, several trips to the ER, and several visits to a cardiologist. He was told he was too young for it to be his heart and told it was panic attacks. He was even prescribed a dangerous antidepressant. He was also misdiagnosed by cardiologist. She told us he suffered from “POTS”, an incurable disease that involved the circulatory system and getting up from certain positions. All those ER doctors we saw were sarcastic, rude, and failed to really listen to my son. Finally, after another episode that wouldn’t end in the usual 15 min. span and my son insisting he go to the ER, even though again he was being told by paramedics it was a panic attack, we got the proof we needed. The ER doctors had to slow his heart rate down with a very dangerous drug because they had exhausted other options. My son was told his heart was going to be stopped and then started up again immediately after. My 22 yr old son asked to hold my hand. The process worked. This let Dr.s know that he did not have POTS and that he probably had a second pathway in his heart since birth, which confused the heart at certain times and this would trigger his episode. He had heart surgery to find and cauterize second pathway. My son’s surgery was a success and he was sent home that same day. Moral of the story is to believe your children and keep getting second, third, fourth opinions from doctors until you find the dr that will believe them also.

[@piperlynne1]

@@1mourningdove54 Oh wow, so sorry for your loss. Dr's are just people and they make mistakes but you would hope they don't make them often and not when someone's life is at stake!

[@calbob750]

In the eighties women didn’t have heart attacks. I know because my mother was symptomatic for several years. “Just indigestion”. Finally life flighted to nearby hospital. RIP.

[@justsayin5609]

@@piperlynne1 When a life is on the line, mistakes are not excused especially when a dismissive attitude is the culprit. I have worked with hundreds of doctors over the past 30 years as a licensed practitioner, and am finding myself in a similar situation the past couple of years. Nobody's listening despite my credentials.

[@jayj3990]

I want to thank all you DOCTOR'S for putting on these video's, they are very important to the people. THANK YOU

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome Jay. We are doing our best. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@richardfrancis5406]

Thank you doctors...I love you...always fighting to preserve life....

[@tomhenkel2311]

As a retired Firefighter with 47 years, I enjoy the Doctor's banter back and forth. It was just the same between the Firefighters. Humor always helps!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks for your service Tom. We try to keep it light if we can. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@tomburns7544]

As other have said, I love how you all explain things in a very down-to-earth manner. I am sure your channel goes a long way in alleviating the health worries/concerns of so many people. Thanks and chicken wings for you all.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Doing our best Tom. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@twinzzplusonecanada5499]

I love this channel! As an ex patient of Dr Z.....love the humour they put into very serious subjects. Thank you.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much Twizzy. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@davidnorinsky8252]

You guys are absolutely wonderful and provide an invaluable service to the world.Thank You!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Doing our very best David. Thanks for your kind words. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@cathylaycock5598]

My friends GP had a heart attack, had surgery and checked himself out of hospital before he should have. Unfortunately, he passed away 2 days later. Sorry Docs, not sang all Drs are the worst patients, but should point up, if your Drs are keeping you in hospital, there’s a damn good reason for it!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Agreed Cathy they can be bad patients. Sad story. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@atteroljones6936]

Having had the experience of myocardial infarction I'd say the cardiologist described the possible array of symptoms very well. Another commenter mentioned denial, that is another symptom, or is it more accurately disbelief. This symptom has one second guessing themself almost immediately and delaying action. Good topic, good banter.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you are ok atterol. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@darlenericotta7550]

Thanks Docs very good information to know! Take care and I will be watching for more!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks as always Darlene.

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

Another very common symptom is denial. “This can’t be happening to me!”

[@futuresite11]

Hahahahahahahahha! Yep, then BAM! Down you go!

[@futuresite11]

@@1mourningdove54 Exactly! Talking yourself out of the inevitable!

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

Back when CPR courses included a few hours of lecture before learning the techniques (I was a certified Red Cross CPR instructor) the lecture included an extensive discussion about symptoms, and denial was a big one. Our family recently lost a fairly young (51 yr old) to this very thing. He blacked out in the kitchen. He was in denial so he didn't go to the hospital to get checked. Two days later, he died when he had a full blown heart attack while driving. Fortunately he managed to pull his truck off the road, but when people stopped to see what was wrong, he has already passed as several crucial minutes has already gone by. We are still grieving over this.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi John. Yes this is very true. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So sorry to hear about your loss John. Thanks for sharing the story to help others

[@wordswordswords8203]

I've gone to ER a number of times for chest pain that has turned out not to be a heart attack. Usually, I had chest pain and no other symptoms. I will admit there have been a few times when I had chest pain and decided not to go to ER. It is confusing and who wants to go to the ER every time they have some chest pain. Good video in helping sort it out.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it can be tricky for sure. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@dsanders5984]

Thank you, great information! I had a massive heart attack last March but doing great now. Your info is awesome…

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much D. Hope you are ok! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@lnwhitaker]

Thanks for the great information!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome Larry. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@jkbethune]

That's great information guys. Thank you for all of your efforts to provide us with knowledge.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Doing our best John. Very welcome. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@jkbethune]

@@TalkingWithDocs I subscribed long ago. And yes, I have shared more than one.

[@anchornaturals]

You guys are amazing!! Thank you for the wonderful information you are sharing. I am so lucky to have found you 😀. God bless you 👍🏻🙏🏻.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

You are very welcome anchornaturals. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@futuresite11]

I love when true professionals get together and compare notes on a civil level, no one trying to over talk the other, or thinking he knows best about EVERYTHING. Very good, gentlemen....

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much Curt. Doing our best. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@futuresite11]

@@TalkingWithDocs I did! And recommend it to my brother. Keep up the good work. "First.....do no harm...."

[@davemac1888]

You guys are so informative & your videos are really good

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you so much Dave. We are working hard on it. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@joywebster2678]

Had been overloaded with fluid during foot surgery. Discharged home next morning despite my complaints of s.o.b. 14 hrs later I called 911 because it sounded like birds were living and singing in my chest and my left chest hurt. ER doc laughed that I didn't just try to pee it out over time. Gave me Lasix and drew some blood. Well then...my cardiac enzymes came back highly elevated. Guelph general had no cardiologist at the time so it was a respirologist that admitted me. Stayed for days til enzymes stopped climbing, and no other investigations done. Only year later working on Indian reserves in far northern Ontario, had second attack. Nothing but bedrest with followup to cardiologist in Timmins. Discovered aortic aneurysm, which is still growing. So appreciate this channel, and hope ER docs watch because their response in many cases scares off patients coming in to check out chest pain.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing your story Joy. Glad you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@darlenericotta]

Thank you Doc’s I missed this video before! Great information to know! Take care!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Same to you!

[@Qsi1969]

I joined the club last year. I had no pain, just a tightness or pressure in the chest and a tingling sensation in the fingertips ans toes. And cold sweat. Luckily everything went well. A ton of luck was involved, as it happened while riding my motorcycle. I got three stents and I am doing very well now. Frequent excercises and more healthy food improved my well-being a fair amount. I owe the paramedics and the cardiologists my greatest respect. It's great to have these people and the technology we have now. Had it happened 30 years before, I'd be either dead or in a much worse shape than I am now. You guys are awesome! I like your humour a lot and it's a pleasure to listen to your conversations. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So glad that you are still with us. Thanks for sharing your story. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@donnakeyston3460]

Opinion I no

[@alidavalentinagosgnach700]

Love this video, even though I’ve never had any chest pain and a heart attack in my life. Love you guys 👍😊

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks Alida.

[@dannylaw7367]

Anyone can understand these explanations so great job.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

That's the goal Danny

[@rsainz1296]

Thank you again! I now know what to do! I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say this information could save my life in the future,

[@TalkingWithDocs]

It just might R. You are very welcome. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@loumccarthy7252]

Love this channel as found it while looking for information on a double hip replacement. Thanks

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome Lou. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@michaelsutherland9767]

Just my two cents on this. I'm sure there are lots of individuals who have these symptoms and think about 'heart attack' or 'gas' or ' etc.'..... and then think about the financial burden that comes along with an emergency ride to the hospital, and all the costs associated with the tests, etc..., and find out it wasnt really a heart attack. SO, they delay the call for help when these symptoms arise, thinking that they will just go away and everything will be ok... I totally get it... I've had open heart surgery.. just an fyi.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

For sure Michael. That is one of the complicated things about for profit medicine. At least here patients can go to the ER and have no worry about the cost. Good points for sure. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@rdizzy1]

These doctors are in Canada, I think. Canadians don't have to worry as much about the ER costs.

[@TheGosgnach]

Good to know about heart attack and I love when Dr. Mike is on this video 😊

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We do too

[@luciecowan2072]

Loved it,great info with great humour 🙏😀

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you liked it Lucie. Doing our best. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@DodgyDebb]

Wow Docs, had no idea a heart attack was due to a blocked artery. My Mum died of heart failure, so my siblings and I are aware we might get it too. Thank you for the info🙏🏽

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome Deborah. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@CartwrightFour]

Thanks for going beyond knees and hips in your recent videos!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome JT. We are happy to have guests share their expert knowledge with our viewers. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@barbaraschraven4776]

Dr. Heffernan wish you were in Melbourne Australia. So approachable and you explain things wonderfully!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

He is awesome Barbara! Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@barbaraschraven4776]

Gosh my brother died of leaking. I lost 3 brothers from heart, my husband's home on Pallative care who l look after. I have 5 grown children 3 and half hours away, to far in our case they all have families. Thank you for the answer, it's great when professionals do respond.

[@fannieallen6005]

Thank you all so much. Both my parents died of heart attacks at home.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So sorry to hear that Fannie. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@michaelb2279]

Sweating like you've never seen before. Like I stepped out of the shower. And a sense of doom. Survived a widowmaker, no pain. Initially, I thought I was having a stroke. Mad respect and gratitude to the ems, ER, and cardiologist that saved my life.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

So glad to hear that Michael! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@rayleyva1830]

You guys are awesome

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much Ray. Thanks for watching and subscribing if we

[@ellenfleury9015]

Dr. Brad has such a nice smile, always.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much Ellen. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@lytieulong1966]

Thank you so very much.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@hybridduncan007]

I had a widow maker for 8 days the only symptoms was my back in between my shoulder blades. May 22 2022 was my one year anniversary. I ended up with 3 stents a very happy to be alive.

[@BillSW]

Video suggestion: The importance of a family dr checkup and what can be found in exam/bloodwork that could lead to a MI/Stroke. Many people don't get a checkup and only get assessed in the ER after an MI, that they have hypertension, diabetic, high lipids, aFib, kidney failure etc.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Agreed Bill. Good topic. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@youarerightboss]

The brightest minds sharing their vast knowledge, collectively, with the eager masses.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Doing our best Tricky Dicky! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@christybradfield7812]

I made a comment on another video about my recent ER visit. I thought it was a heart attack. My body just did not feel right. One thing that I want to note, is knowing one's body is so important.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Agreed Christy. Listen to it. And respect it. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@lovesmusic36]

Thank you as always for such an informative video. I've also heard that jaw pain could be a possible symptom, particularly in women. That was something I experienced and went to the ER. Fortunately, it wasn't a heart attack. However, it was enough of a scare to cause me to watch my diet and lose 55 pounds. My father was 66 when he had a fatal heart attack. He was at work and was found slumped over his desk. My question: is the possibility of a heart attack hereditary?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi lovesmusic36. Yes jaw pain can be a sign for sure. And yes there are certain components that can be hereditary. All to your doctor. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@micchaelfearn5163]

I had a heart attack, non of the symptoms mentioned, I went cold and fainted my partner did cpr, saved my life. Bless her.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow Michael. So glad you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@micchaelfearn5163]

Thanks doctors

[@---Joy---]

Great, simplified explanation of an angioplasty!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you liked it Joy. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@arthurjock4179]

A friends brother had most of the systems and the ambulance took him to the hospital and when they were wheeling him into the ER he went in cardiac arrest and died from it. They worked on him for an hour with no luck. This was 45 days ago.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We are so sorry to hear that Arthur. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@JonnyRollin]

Thanks doctors, for your entertaining, educational explanation of a lethal threat.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Doing our best Jonny. Very welcome

[@kurtschau5768]

Great channel. As a diabetic, I'd like to see more info on silent heart attacks. I've read up on them, but I'm still not clear on the differentiation.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Ok Kurt we can add it to the list. Typically this refers to events that cause damage to the heart but are small enough to not cause any symptoms so they show up in the bloodwork or on an ekg. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@crislabossiere6234]

I had a heart attack last year, dropped dead with no symptoms of any kind, and no signs of coronary artery issues appearing on any regular checkups prior. Widow maker blockage got me. Thankfully paramedics paddled a sinus rhythm back into my heart. I remained unconscious, was induced into a coma for 3 weeks, hospital stay including rehab was 3 months. I have a stent, heart function is normal, and I'm back to running and cycling. Cause? Not completely understood but cardiologists thoughts are that genetics played a large role in that I'm more susceptible to developing coronary plaques because of perhaps a unique shape of my LAD, combined with perhaps a greater propensity to respond to dietary cholesterol and excess body fat negatively. I had become moderately overweight, though I was still active and fit. This isn't the case for everyone, but for me, any mild fat gain or regular cheeseburger intake is literally deadly for me so hello fake meat, and goodbye double cheeseburgers! A word of caution; since it's unknown to what degree any of us may or may not be more affected by high cholesterol, high fat diets, and excess fat gain, these overall risks are known.. it is definitely not worth it even in the smallest way to rationalize a crap diet like I did; "I run, cycle, and go to the gym, I'm not that overweight.. therefore I can afford and deserve to eat cheeseburgers and pizza all the time!" Now, most of our North American population thinks just like I did. Please, don't make the mistakes I did. Lose weight, get active, eat healthy. I lost 60 lbs, down from 220 to 160 lbs. It feels great to be lean again, and feels even better coming to grips with the self harm of a crap diet, and feeling rewarded by a good diet that doesn't kill me. :-)

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you so much for sharing your story Cris. Glad you are still with us. And yes we agree about the bad diet. All the best. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@d.davidson8495]

Hi Doctors I am a 58 year old woman. Four years ago I had a massive heart attack. Three months later I had another. I seem to be doing a lot better now. I wanted to mention something I noticed during my heart attacks. I did feel pressure and a stabbing pain under my shoulder blade and shortness of breath, nausea , as well as jaw and ear pain. Also what happened both times was a relentless need to cough. I would like to add that sometimes we don't prioritize our health and / or brush things off,. I want to mention that if you hear that little voice from inside that says this is different ! Listen to it!! I now try to eat better. Very little processed or fast foods . I have lost 27 lbs. I quit smoking,. Do some exercise (should do more) and work on letting the stress go. Thanks for the great information and stay safe and healthy.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Congrats D. Glad you are still with us. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@d.davidson8495]

Thank you I'm glad to be here also. I look at life differently now. It is so precious and I treat every day as a gift. PS I wonder how many others had the urge to cough???? Should it be added as a potential sign? Thank you again. Best of luck and keep up the great work.

[@ryankay6716]

Hey Docs, great video! Can one have a mild heart attack and not know it or dismiss symptoms as no big deal?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes Ryan. Sometimes you only learn about it when there is an abnormality in your ECG. Sorry for the late response. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@jaytibbles2223]

When I was a medical student we encountered a man who had been to the ER twice for severe nausea in the previous day. The ecgs had been “negative”. About 30 minutes after he was admitted to the floor a “Code Blue” was called by the nurse attending him.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it is not always straightforward JAY. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@BillKrow]

Had chest pain, like a stack of books. Periodic needle sharp left and right sides. End of day went biking for 1 1/2 hours to see if I could loosen the pain up (no idea I was having a heart attack). Still felt uncomfortable, called insurance nurse hot line. She was calm, caring, understanding. Encouraged me to take aspirin (I did not have any) and call 911. I drove myself to the hospital, walked through the ER doors (1st time in my life, hardest thing to do). The rest is history, I was having a heart attack. 4 day rest in bed, not allowed to move. Quadruple bypass. I was 95% blocked in the widow maker (two places), 90% with the other main artery. The miracle is that I am alive and no heart damage. I would love to see a video coaching patients in recovery. The 3 weeks post surgery, no joke. Tough. Thank you doctors for these videos.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing William. So glad to hear you are ok

[@red_monkey_butt]

great video

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you liked it Robert. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@LeeSurber]

Love this channel..!! Special request! How about topics like G.E.R.D., Angina, and something like why we hear so much about bladder cancer today vs 40 yrs ago. What's going on with that?

[@rdizzy1]

A lot of the higher amounts of random cancers aren't due to more cancer, they are due to getting better at finding cancers. Many people in the past probably had undiagnosed cancers and died of something else prior to finding the cancer.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Lee! Thanks so much. We can definitely add them to our topic list and are planning on having a gastroenterologist and urologist as guest speakers. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi rdizzy1. That is part of the reason. The other reason is that diet has changed, there are more chemicals and pollution in our environment, etc. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@justsayin5609]

One thing I'd like to add when witnessing a suspected cardiac event/heart attack--expect denial. If the 'victim' refuses EMS, call anyway! You can deal with their anger later, but likely they will be grateful.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes just sayin. Very common. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@libbyannstew8775]

You are the 3 Amigo’s of health care - you’re the best. If a person thought they were having a heart attack, and they had low dose aspirin readily available to them, is it a good idea to take one while en route to hospital? Thanks for the informative vids.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Libbyann. Thanks for your kind words. And yes chew the Asa. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@suddenlysolo2170]

My wife died from a 'cardiac event' in her sleep 17 days after this video was made. She was 52.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We are so sorry to hear that Suddenly Solo.

[@strumbum946]

One SIGNIFICANT health event the Docs failed to mention is that “panic attacks” and “anxiety” episodes can have the EXACT symptoms of a Heart Attack. The ONLY way to tell the difference is an EKG or a Heart Monitor, until the ER can perform “enzyme” blood work.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We would agree with that Strum. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@matthewlee6239]

Do you mean anxiety disorder.

[@rdizzy1]

@@matthewlee6239 Some people with anxiety disorder have panic attacks or anxiety attacks, some don't. Some people have these attacks even without general anxiety disorder.

[@jc.1191]

Yup

[@marcellamullen4568]

Thank you Doctors for you help and good advice always. I suffer from Afib and when I take a turn I always have pain worst in my throat, is this comon? ☘☘🇮🇪

[@TalkingWithDocs]

It is not uncommon to have this sensation Marcella. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@ClearFreshAir]

My key symptom was a burning sensation in center of chest. When I also began to feel some pressure in the same area I went to hospital. I'm female & this SCAD heart attack occurred when I was 72 - with no previous heart issues.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hope you are ok Jesse

[@lorrainemcdonald7982]

Thank you! A couple of weeks ago, I went to bed late, I felt exhausted but, just couldn't fall asleep, I was so uncomfortable with what felt like bad indigestion, three hours later I finally gave up on sleep, sat up but still couldn't get comfortable, my breathing became shallow! Sweating, still feeling agitated, I took some indigestion tablets but no comfort. I never usually take pain killers but this time I did, I was so desperate, what surprised me was the projectile vomit! Then i noticed my left upper arm was hurting, then my left jaw too, Ended up calling a friend who suggested I called 111 UK emergency, they turned up approximately two hours later, I was put on ECG machine, I was advised if the paine, feeling came back then call 999 UK priority emergency services! And told to advised to take paracetamol pain killers and not aspirin!! Since then, I still feel shortness of breath and palpitations occasionally through out the day! Do I need to worry? I have booked appointments for next month as that's the only appointment available, the Rona has really messed up our NHS with huge waiting times. So sorry for long story but, I found this post very informative and enlighten, once again, much appreciated. Ow! New subscriber 🙏🏾

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Lorraine. Sorry to hear this. Confusing why they would recommend paracetamol instead of ASA. And yes you need to be properly assessed and if the pain is severe again call 999. Wishing you the best of luck and hopefully things get better. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@lorrainemcdonald7982]

@@TalkingWithDocs Thank you for speedy response, I will definitely push for a earlier appointment. Wishing you all a blessed day. Nameste 🙏🏾 😌

[@marciaborg77]

It reminded me of my car accident from 7 years ago were i had sternum fracture. Which it hurted alot plus chest pains where bad thought I was having a heart attack but I wasn't. Which it was almost a year for the pain to go away from the ribs to heal also. Thanks for the video doc's

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Very welcome Marcia. Glad you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@michaelvandorn604]

I was in my car, I had chest discomfort, it would not go away, then my teeth started to hurt, I started to sweat. I drove to the hospital, about 10 minutes away. Walked in , said hello, sat down and dropped dead. They used a defibrillator on me, brought me back, shipped me to another hospital and they put in five stents in five days. I was back at work three days later after about a week in the hospital. PRAISE GOD ✝️🙏

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yikes Michael. Glad you are ok. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@timberrington8230]

I've had 2 heart attacks myself. The first one I was in my middle 40's. I thought it had to have been a fluke so I didn't take all my prescribed medications. After the 2nd I learned my mistake.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Glad you got a second chance Tim. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@sarahyates6055]

Two very important things you haven’t mentioned, one particularly for women, we often have jaw pain too and for anyone male or female if you have an overwhelming sense of impending doom that can sometimes be the first “ sign” that’s something is going to happen. I’ve just been diagnosed with unstable angina with some symptoms of vasospastic angina which has put me in A&E three times this year and I was told it was “ just heartburn”. Eventually the fourth time because I’d been given a GTN spray to try which didn’t work after three puffs I was admitted to the cardiac ward for two weeks and had an angiogram. I’ve still got highly unstable blood pressure which has gone back up all over the place since coming home and we have no idea why it yo-yos so much. One day someone may sit down and look into it 😳🤔

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Best of luck to you Sarah. Yes the list of symptoms goes well beyond what we have listed. Simply listed the top 5. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@martinitime3537]

I have symptoms like extreme chest pressure, squeezing, nausea, vomiting when I have a gallbladder attack.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes Martinitime. They can overlap for sure. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@petegesellchen3181]

Yes, the symptons are similiar. I had a heart attack 19 yeats sgo and 3 years sgo i had gallblader problems. At first i tjought i was having heart issues sgain. But after the doctors ruled thst out they found the gb isdues.

[@karenwallinlarson128]

Woman here. Worst heartburn and bloating ever.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thank you for sharing Karen. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@anchornaturals]

Angina and mild TR. Can you please do a talk on that. Can medications alleviate the pain and stop it from further damage? Thank you 👍🏻

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We can add it to the list anchornaturals. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@reverv]

This does wonders for my anxiety.

[@staceymayar4606]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sorry Blackplastic. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@patrickm6183]

Had a heart attack 2 weeks ago at 57. I had just left the gym after swimming and felt nothing. First symptom I had was heartburn as I headed to my car. In about 5 min started to feel the pressure right on the sternum. Got worse and decided during the drive home this isn't right and just kept going to the ER which was only 2 miles away. Profuse sweating began at the hospital. But they got me in and up to the catheterization lab fairly quickly. They said the LAD was 100% blocked and put 2 stents in. It was less than 90 min beginning to end. Probably not recommended to drive to ER but the Dr that put the stents in said it probably saved my life

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow Patrick that is scary. Glad you are ok. Thanks for watching subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@fallback8314]

is your ejection fraction ok?

[@patrickm6183]

@@fallback8314 no, it dropped below normal but isn't in critical range

[@fallback8314]

@@patrickm6183 get it back up

[@lalardh9976]

Funny you mentioned " broken heart". Relative just this week had something referred to as stress induced heart failure. Symptoms were that she could not move arms or legs while in a lake swimming! She survived, had on flotation device. I see this referred to as "broken heart syndrome"?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi LaLa. Wow that sounds scary. Hope they are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@jamiecraswell9368]

I find as someone who has asthma many similar signs/ symptoms as asthma flares up chest pain/ discomfort and shortness of breath are common in my life

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Agree. It can be tricky

[@Bo-qv4ez]

Rushed my 18yr old son into hospital believing it was his heart. Dr said no just gas. At age 20 did the same took him in. Same Dr, same diagnoses, just gas. A Dr who did not have hospital privileges but saw what was going on, took me to the side and said don't say we spoke but tell the Dr u want second opinion for he said it is his heart. I did as he told me and sure enough it was. They rushed him to a hospital that deals with the heart and put a stint in and discovered that the back of his heart was damaged from the 1st one. Thank God I listened to a Dr who had no hospital privileges but knew what he was going.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Bob that is scary. Hope your son is ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@donvoll2580]

Good day I did subscribe, I am from Kit-Waterloo area. I heard someone say southern Ont. I have severe asthma, tightness & shortness of breath always last 6 yrs. So were are you guys from? Thanks

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Don. Oakville. Thanks for watching and subscribing.

[@ginam.4990]

Great video however, I wished you would have discussed HA symptoms vs GERD for women.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

We can add it to the list for sure Ginger. They can be confused. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@summerrose9565]

My heart attacks also had pain down my left arm and up into my jaw and teeth.strangely I don’t have sweating or palpitations but definitely short of breath and a sensation of being suffocated. Horrible horrible feeling. I’ve survived two , one at 39yrs old and second 45yrs old and I’m a woman.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow Summer. Glad you are still with us. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@joytotheworld8734]

Sooooo informative. Please do uterine fibroids. How to shrink them, relieve pain, possibly avoid them.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Joy to the world. We do have a video on fibroids! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@joytotheworld8734]

@@TalkingWithDocs Thanks so much. I will check it out and subscriber.

[@dancurran8977]

As I have mentioned in the comments before, learn from my mistake and don't ignore pain! My symptom for many years was muscle knots in my back that I attributed to the extensive arthritis in my spine. It would have been much better to have my heart condition diagnosed long before I got lightheaded and passed out one morning. Surgery fixed my heart but it also eliminated the upper back pain from which I had suffered for years!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow Dan. Thanks for sharing and glad you are still with us!

[@rdizzy1]

I have had unexplained severe hypertension since I was 13, and having many other issues that cause similar symptoms always makes me paranoid that I won't recognize if I ever do have a heart attack, so I always wonder how recognizable these symptoms are. (On a daily basis I have pains in my upper body and burning from severe GERD, random bouts of high pulse to go along with my high blood pressure from anxiety issues, and I have hyperhydrosis which causes random bouts of sweating as well) All from nothing to do with a heart attack. So it will be next to impossible for me to figure out I am having a heart attack if I ever do have one. My bosses husband died for this exact same reason, had severe GERD issues forever and was having a heart attack and mistook it for GERD symptoms.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow rdizzy1. Hope things get better. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@jewel1953]

Ha ha. You are so right that we are tougher. Thanks for the good reminders.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes you are Judith! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@joniellis7553]

Lots of people call there neighbor, doctor, co-worker ect please go to the hospital.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yup

[@rockinglock]

2 years ago when i was 47 i had chest pains everyday and did not recognize it and i thought it was heart burn. Weeks later ended up with both arms burning, neck felt burning like my throat was closing. One day broke out with cold sweats and puked and i blamed it on the cajun catfish i just ate. Finally after 2 months later i went in to my doc and he gave me a ekg. Ended up with a Quintuple. 4 on the left side of my heart was 100% clogged and one on my right side was 80%. Point is the symptoms are not exactly to what the posters say on your doctors office wall.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow Tony. Scary. Glad you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@longshanks5531]

Hey Tony, before the heart attack was your diet like leading up to it?

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

I'm prone to work out too long and too hard, and I have gastrointestinal issues which seem to cause referred pain all over the place. If I called 911 every time I had ANY chest pain I think I would soon be labeled The Boy Who Cried Wolf at the dispatch center and the paramedics would get very sick of coming to my house. It would be like every other week.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Fair enough OldSchool!

[@trishbowers3768]

Maybe you could do a video on “women” who suffer a heart attack?!? I know it’s common for women to not get few if any of these symptoms actually. Being fatigued, for instance, is usually a good sign of heart attack for women. I know when my gram had a heart attack, she was extremely fatigued and just generally didn’t feel well, she may have had a bit of chest pressure and that was it (except her blood sugar was 400+! But that’s because she was diabetic and that happens when u have an internal issue alongside diabetes). I’d like to see you doing more videos aimed at women’s experiences and symptoms for any and all illnesses please.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Trish. Sounds good. We do our best to try and include as many populations as possible. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@navywoman7709]

Gentlemen, you forgot a symptom: a bad pain in the jaw & neck... I had this, mentioned it repeatedly but it was completely ignored by the doctors... Fortunately I survived and I’m still going strong! 🤜🏻❤️🤛🏻

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes Navy Woman that one is not uncommon. Hope you are ok now. Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@navywoman7709]

@@TalkingWithDocs ...and one in the heart, as visible on the scan, a year later! It’s a miracle I survived and recovered for almost 100 %❣️🙏🏻⚓️

[@bikinisforwahinis8111]

Dr.OZ did a great segment in this and recommended some things to do while actually having the heart attack while waiting for 911/emergency services and two of those were elevate feet while lying down and take or chew aspirin immediately. Is this correct?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Bikinis For Wahinis. Chewing the ASA is good advice as it theoretically helps break up the clot causing the heart attack. The thought behind elevating the feet is to allow blood to return to the heart and perfuse the brain easier which also intuitively makes sense. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@justsayin5609]

Dr Oz has pretty much blown his credibility. These docs' advice, you can pretty much take to the bank 😂💸💰

[@judybooth4901]

How to distinguish between heart and stomach issues

[@TalkingWithDocs]

It can be tricky Judy. Usually the EKG helps but symptoms can be similar. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@dennisdickson6210]

Anyway to distinguish a cardiac event from a panic attack?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Dennis. So they can be very similar. Usually physical examination and an EKG. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@flavigne5120]

Lately I wake up during the night all sweaty so much so the sheets are wet. It has happened spontaneously about 5 times in the past two months , and we have ac so not due to room temp. I have past all exams last year , ecg, threadmill, another which i dont remember the name but had it on me through the night and all was normal, but without any severe pain I dont have the same strenght, 68 y/o, 185 lbs at 5’9 and going down with better nutrition and exercise.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi F Lavigne. Night sweats can be caused by many things other than cardiac disease. If you do not feel well you should continue to have this investigated. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@denisemariner9755]

We love Dr. Mike! But I wish he would have expounded upon the differences in a woman's cardiac needs, as opposed to men's! We often will have the thoracic pain, or arm pain. Would love to see Dr. Mike give us ladies a few good pointers to optimized our heart health!💞 Awww poor Dr. Z!!! Isn't there a syndrome that we see in the ER called Broken Heart Syndrome???! We all want you to know that we would fix it for you with lots of Band-Aids!☺️. I know, we Nurses are evil minions!!! With Weening, we would snap on a glove and just laugh menaicically!!!!😂😂😂😂 Thanks guys! Another well thought out video! Stay healthy and God bless!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Thanks so much Denise. There is much more to come from Dr Heffernan. Lots of important topics to cover.

[@jamesec1949]

Hi Docs, at one time I recall also having pain or discomfort of some sort in the right arm along with pain or pressure in the chest was a sign. Not true anymore?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi James. It is very variable but this is definitely possible. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@toryberch]

It's hard to know sometimes when you have fibromyalgia So many symptoms are similar

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes Tory there is a lot of crossover. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@toryberch]

@@TalkingWithDocs I have been subscribed over a year now 😉👍 thanks for the reply.

[@Gary_and_Linda]

How long does it take to grow collateral arteries? Assuming a person slowly gets a blockage or 6, do collateral arteries take months or years to develop? Advice from Gary, if you feel a bit off, get it checked out. I never had one symptom that you listed. Yes I said six blockages and nothing until one day I felt a bit off. Thanks in advance.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Gary. Thank you for sharing and glad you are ok. Collaterals develop slowly but it would be more like months than years. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@mikestoddart2583]

i had a heart attach and never new it or had any notice. only think i had is a very stiff neck i went to the ER 2 days later found i had a 100% blockage and 2 80% blockages, had one stent then 2 weeks later 2 more then 2 weeks later 2 more total of 5 stents, hamilton did a amazing job

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Wow Mike. So glad you are ok. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@test40323]

Good advice. Question: is it true that heart muscles don't regenerate after injury unlike other muscles in your body?

[@PanamaRose]

Heart muscle that has died from lack of oxygen and blood flow during a heart attack will not regenerate. That's why it's important to get to the hospital asap and have the artery opened up.

[@test40323]

@@PanamaRose , thanks! Are there any stem cells research on repairing/replacing damaged heart muscles?

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi test40323. Yes they do not regenerate. If other muscles in your body actually died they would not regenerate either. Like in a bad burn injury for example. Or a leg that lost its blood supply. We are sure there is stem cell research but it would be complicated to grow and then reconnect. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@kimberlyhull5080]

I love y'all so I love watching it informs me. But you didn't mention neck pain I'm a female and I had neck pain and back pain when my heart started acting up and I got the shortness of breath. In the shortness of breath was a big deal

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Sorry Kimberly but yes there are many atypical symptoms particularly in women. Hope you are ok. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@msnpassjan2004]

I sometimes get these symptoms about an hour before a large bowel movement, then it all clears up. I have gallbladder issues, atrial regurgitation and aFib. Thanks for all your awesome vids !

[@BillSW]

Speak to your doctor about your symptoms during bowel movements. Perhaps your medications need to be adjusted. It is not unheard of for cardiac patients to collapse during a bowel movement. Listen to your body and consult your medical doctor.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

You are so welcome msnpassjan2004. Maybe you should try to have smaller BMs? Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@msnpassjan2004]

@@TalkingWithDocs Long time subscriber

[@jc.1191]

Increase fiber intake if you haven't tried

[@msnpassjan2004]

​@@jc.1191 My VA doc recommended eating low acid / high alcaline diet. Seems to be working so far.

[@matthewhunter6421]

They problem with all of these is just the ambiguity of the severity of the symptoms. No one really will ever elaborate on how severe these symptoms are to indicate a heart attack

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes it’s not that simple. Some people have mild symptoms and find out they had a heart attack. Others have knee buckling symptoms or elephant on the chest tyoe

[@jamesgreen3417]

Greetings Drs could you do one of these on Strokes. I’ve lost 5 family members to strokes. But my Dad died when I was 16 of a heart attack I suffer from Angina

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi james. So sorry to hear that. It is on our list to do soon. Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did

[@jamesgreen3417]

@@TalkingWithDocs thank you. Yes I’m a subscriber. The way you talk and describe the different conditions in a language that us laymen can easily understand is great to hear.

[@illiniwood]

Coincidentally, Michael Duncan who is the man in your outro died of a heart attack back in 2012. R.I.P. Michael Duncan.

[@futuresite11]

The Green Mile guy?

[@futuresite11]

Yeah that's him!!!

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes he did illiniwood. RIP. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Yes sadly. Thanks for watching, subscribing and sharing with someone if you did.

[@Kathleensailorgirl]

Another great video , however it could have been longer and more informative for women and people under age of 40 😊

[@TalkingWithDocs]

Hi Kathleen. More to come! Thanks for watching and subscribing if you did