Heart attacks (also called myocardial infarctions) are not always as unexpected and sudden as some might think. In fact, some people experience the first signs of a heart attack weeks before it occurs. Identifying these early red flags is critical so that you can receive the necessary medical care and treatment in a timely manner.

Are you interested in learning about some of the common warning signs associated with a heart attack? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This emergency care facility in East Chicago, Indiana is going to discuss everything you’ll need to know below.

Recognizing the Early Signs of a Heart Attack

The signs of myocardial infarction are sometimes misdiagnosed as other conditions, such as muscle strain or heartburn. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease is primarily viewed as a male problem, despite the evidence that more women than men die from cardiovascular disease in the United States every year. The early signs of a heart attack experienced by women are also slightly differ from those experienced by men.

Common Signs for Men

As the top-rated emergency care facility in East Chicago, Indiana, we have seen many heart attack patients that experience a wide range of symptoms. Here are some of the most common early warning signs of a heart attack for men:

• Lasting and unrelenting chest pain
• Pain and discomfort in the upper body, including the neck, jaw, back, and stomach
• Discomfort or pain in one or both shoulders/arms
• Shortness of breath — known medically as dyspnea — that occurs in conjunction with or before the onset of chest pain
• Nausea
• Cold sweat
• Light-headedness

Common Signs for Women

The warning signs for a heart attack are slightly different in women, and they sometimes go unnoticed. Here are some of the most common early warning signs of a heart attack in women:

• Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
• Dizziness
• Upper abdominal pain
• Chest pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Back pain
• Excessive sweating
• Breathlessness and difficulty breathing

If you notice these signs and symptoms of a heart attack in yourself or someone else, you should seek medical treatment right away. The sooner you visit an urgent care facility in East Chicago, Indiana, the sooner you will be able to receive the medical care you need.

When you arrive at NW Indiana 24/7 ER & Hospital, you will be seen by our team of expert staff and physicians. We will work with you to develop the most suitable treatment plan for your individual medical needs, ensuring a safe and effective recovery. Visit our urgent care facility in Lake County today to get the quick and compassionate concierge-level emergency care you need.

How to Recover After a Heart Attack?

If you have had a heart attack, your cardiac muscle may become damaged, affecting your heart’s ability to pump blood throughout your body. You could also be at risk for another heart attack and other conditions like peripheral artery disease (also known as peripheral vascular disease) and kidney failure.

As the premier emergency care facility in East Chicago, Indiana, our medical staff has come up with a few key suggestions to follow as you recover from a heart attack:

• Following a heart attack, you may need to limit your physical activities for a while.
• Making major lifestyle adjustments, such as eating a nutritious diet and managing stress, will also support your recovery. You might also want to think about cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to help you with these adjustments.

Looking for the Premier Emergency Care Facility in East Chicago, Indiana?

Whether you are suffering from a heart attack or any other medical condition, NW Indiana ER & Hospital provides fast, high-quality emergency services for people in the East Chicago area and beyond. If you have any questions about what to expect during your visit to our urgent care facility in East Chicago, Indiana, our staff will be happy to assist you. Contact us today at (219) 554-9911 to get started.