How to tell if you're experiencing a heart problem

[Naughty Nurse]

I was sitting back, trying to think of what my next informational post would be, and then it came to me….in light of DB’s post “A very serious question”, I have decided to make a few short, but IMO, very important points regarding signs and symptoms of a possible impending heart attack (stroke is not in this writing). I pray that all is well for DB, but his post has been inspirational in writing this for all of you. It is a topic near and dear to my heart, as cardiac patients are the bulk of what I treat.

At first I thought that this really was not the place to post such information, but I re-considered. We all work and train hard, and have the help of performance enhancing agents…..I now believe this to be a great area to do some informing :)

In my experience, if you are questioning certain symptoms, whether they are heart-related or joint-related, you probably know yourself, on some level, that you should be having it checked out by a doc. Denial is a HUGE part of people not seeking medical help, and when it involves the heart, time=muscle. Understandably, many people do not seek help because of fear of hearing something that they don’t want to hear, or of being admitted to hospital. In a recent paper I submitted for school and spent many hours grueling over, in my research one common theme existed…..many people sought help, not after asking the advice of their loved ones, but after seeking advice from acquaintances and strangers, so to speak….people with whom they had no connections or any need to feel “pressured” to be or to perform to a certain standard.

That said, first of all, IMO, the community is not really aware of the insidious and varied nature of cardiac symptoms….the medical community pushes and teaches that you must have LEFT-sided chest pain (C/P), crushing or “like an elephant is standing on your chest”, which radiates to your LEFT jaw, neck, and LEFT arm/shoulder, be nauseous and sweating profusely before you are deemed as having cardiac problems/symptoms. This, quite frankly, I find to be the EXCEPTION.

I find that many people present with often vague and multiple symptoms that can be attributed to ANY (or most) physical complaints. Among the most common are shortness of breath (SOB), usually of a very insidious nature (and often not even noticed by the patient until they present into hospital); extreme fatigue (or at least a fair amount more than normal for you and is persistent); RIGHT-sided C/P (usually anywhere from temple all the way to the tips of their fingers, or any isolated body part in between); ambiguous complaints of C/P (“Feels kinda tight/achy/heart racing/LIKE A BAND, etc.); gastro-intestinal discomforts (anything from excessive heartburn to nausea); BACK pain (can be anywhere, but usually in the mid to upper, and for the ladies, especially between the shoulder blades – ladies, you will also find that gastro discomfort is big too for you, and is usually described as “heartburn” and an “excessive need to burp”); headaches; and tingling fingers. Sometimes neck/jaw pain is mentioned, but it seems to be once the symptoms have become more severe. Another tell-tale sign that you should check things out with the doc is ANY C/P that resolves after you rest (that was brought about by activity). This is often the problem; many people disregard these symptoms (especially if they are mild, as “something that will go away”, even after days of the same symptom).

These are just a few of the not-so-often thought of symptoms of possible cardiac problems. I truly feel that people are so adamant that unless they feel or experience the “classic” symptoms portrayed by TV and First Aid classes, they will not go to the emergency department. PLEASE seek out medical intervention quickly; many times if a patient had presented earlier, much more could have been done for them, and many complications could have been avoided. Under 6 hours, in our books, is the rule of thumb, but IMO, under 3-4 is the best; this is the “window of opportunity” for the cardiac drugs to work their best and create results. As I say, IF IN DOUBT, CHECK IT OUT. :)

So, for all of you who may be afraid to post for fear of others (or powerlifter and myself) thinking you’re silly or stupid, please don’t feel that way. We are here to help, and I speak for powerlifter as well, that we are GLAD to be here and doing this. There are VAST amounts of experience here, not only in this forum, but across MuscleSci. It is realized that speaking from a computer is easier sometimes than speaking to a friend or loved one, so please, do not ever hesitate to ask WHATEVER is on your mind. :)

[JOEYZ]

This is an EXCELLENT point. Heart symptoms and problems in women are especially hard to detect, as they are less obvious. The point about GI problems (heartburn) and also neck pain is a good point. A lot of times I see women who have this symptom and ususally dont have it in every day activity but pass it off as food related or stress related. Good thread!

[Naughty Nurse]

Thanks JOEYZ!! :) I also forgot to mention that sweating is common (which goes with that "cool and clammy" feeling), but again often not experienced as that profuse all-over drenching sweat....it can be almost unnoticeable. Lightheaded and dizzy are also fairly common, but I have found them to be reported by many patients as not that significant; many, in fact, may not even notice, or pay attention to it, until we have questioned them about it.

[powerlifter]

Super Post NN - strong work.

[Mallet]

Great information Bella! Your definately prooving yourself, and making us guys look bad over at the pct forum.

	Nolva

[Naughty Nurse]

Hardly....if I knew as much endocrine as you guys, I'd be a doc!! The vast knowledge on this board in general just has me amazed and impressed.....I know where to go for anything medicine/biology related! :)

Originally Posted by Mallet

Great information Bella! Your definately prooving yourself, and making us guys look bad over at the pct forum.

	Nolva