A heart attack occurs once the blood flow to a region of the heart is blocked. This is most often caused by coronary artery disease or the development of blood clots that disrupt the flow of blood into the heart, resulting to chest discomfort and pain, lightheadedness and shortness of breath that can occur abruptly or gradually.
Cases of heart attacks can result to damage and death of the heart muscles that can lead to long-term complications or even death. This condition is considered as the leading cause of death in both men and women. It is vital that you are familiar with the warning signs of a heart attack and the conditions that have similar symptoms. If you want to learn how to distinguish a heart attack from other conditions, click here.
Angina
Angina is basically discomfort or chest pain that is most often caused by coronary artery disease. Other conditions including valvular heart disease, an enlarged heart or uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause angina. Take note that angina feels like an sore pressure, fullness, clutching sensation or ache in the middle of the ribcage.
It is important to note that the chest discomfort felt by the individual during a heart attack can feel like squeezing, uncomfortable pressure, pain or fullness. Even though similar to a heart attack, the pain caused by angina will only last for a few minutes and diminishes with rest. As for the chest pain of a heart attack, it lasts longer than a few minutes and often comes and goes.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs once the contents of the stomach back flow into the esophagus which is called as heartburn. Even though many have experienced heartburn or acid reflux, once it occurs more than two times in a week or disrupts daily life, it is called as GERD.
Take note that GERD occurs once the lower esophageal sphincter does not close entirely or opens in a spontaneous manner to allow the contents of the stomach to enter the esophagus. GERD can cause a burning sensation in the lower center part of the chest. Many individuals mistake this burning sensation for a heart attack. The pain caused by GERD can spread to the throat area and often accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth.
Coronary artery disease
Coronary artery disease or CAD occurs once the artery leading to the heart ends up diseased or damaged. The accumulation of plaque which is a fatty substance composed of fat, calcium, cholesterol and minerals eventually leads to coronary artery disease. Once the plaque builds up in the artery, it becomes constricted and limits the flow of blood, nutrients and oxygen to the heart.
The diminished blood flow and oxygen will cause angina in which the individual experiences chest pain and shortness of breath. These are the symptoms that are similar to a heart attack. In case the coronary artery becomes blocked entirely, the condition can eventually lead to a heart attack.