Ever Wondered How Long Do Heart Attack Symptoms Last?

May 30, 2022
5 min read

The word ‘heart attack’ is more than enough to send shivers down one’s spine, especially for someone who has experienced it. Our heart is the one organ that works over time, keeping us alive. So when its safety is compromised, how exactly is one supposed to deal with it? In fact, the more important question is, how long do heart attack symptoms last?Do you have to handle the agonizing pain for days on end, or does it just come and go in a matter of minutes?If you have similar questions racing in your mind, don’t worry. We’ll discuss everything you’ll need to know about heart attacks and their deadly symptoms right here in this blog.

How Long Do Heart Attack Symptoms Last?

As informative as movies are, they don’t always get things right. One of which is the intensity of a heart attack. You’re probably used to a person clutching their chest as they dramatically fall to the ground. But here’s the thing: that’s not what a heart attack looks like.In reality, heart attack symptoms are far more spread out; even the intensity can differ. For instance, an attack can either be mild, passing, or extremely fatal. As for the symptoms, they often come out as warning signs way before the episode even occurs.That is to say, days (sometimes even weeks) before you get a heart attack, you might notice subtle changes in your body. So in a way, heart attack symptoms last for weeks on end. Nonetheless, the actual attack, and the pain associated with it, can linger for about half an hour.

What are the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?

Usually, weeks before the heart attack occurs, you might experience odd sensations arising in your body. This can include pain or soreness, along with other minor symptoms. But no matter how mild these contractions may seem, you shouldn’t brush them away.Pay attention to these signs and see what your body is telling you. Here are some of the main symptoms you might experience, indicating you should seek help as soon as possible:

  • Discomfort in the Chest Area
  • Mild Pain in the Upper Body (including jaw, neck, shoulders, and back)
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Abdomen Pain

What Are The Common Symptoms of Heart Attack?

When it comes to the actual symptoms of heart attack, they aren’t that much different from the initial warning signs. However, the pain you feel is a bit on the severe side. So rather than mild, pulsating pain, you’d more likely feel sharp pain digging through your limbs and chest. Here are some additional signs you can look out for

  • Lightheadedness
  • Breaking Out in Cold Sweats
  • Indigestion
  • Sore Upper Body Muscles
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Stabbing Pain in the Chest
  • Stiff Neck
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Strained Muscles
  • Tightness in Chest

Bottom Line

If you, too, were wondering how long heart attack symptoms last, hopefully, by now, you know. Nonetheless, if you or your loved one complains about experiencing discomfort and pain in their chest, call 911 immediately. In the case there is only mild discomfort, contact a professional cardiologist for immediate action. You can even reach out to NorthWest Cardiovascular Clinic at (281) 807-5253 for more information on the matter if needed.

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