Would like Answers from Moms Who Are Nurses And/or Doctors

I am a Medic. The symptoms vary for everyone, but the general symptoms for anyone is: chest pain that radiates up into the left side of the jaw, neck, head and left arm. Sweating (diaphoresis), weakness, difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Another symptom that is possible is abdominal pain or back pain. These are the most common symptoms. A Patient may have 1 or a combination of them.

I am a family practice physician who also specializes in natural medicine. Pain in the jaw can be referred pain from a heart attack. Pain in the back is usually not a presentation for the standard heart attack. A sharp stabbing pain in the mid thorax of the back can be the presenting symptom of a dissecting aorta (where the layers of the aorta separate and tear.

But the main response I want to give is: prevent heart attacks. You do that by watching your body acidity. Eat an alkaline diet, stay away from sugar, refined carbs, dairy and red meats. Eat lots of vegetables. Detoxify or cleanse your body. You can learn more on my web site www.sevenpillarstotalhealth.com

L. S. Cheek, M.D.

I'm a cardiac surgery nurse. Pain in the jaw is definitely a potential sign of a heart attack in women, along with pain in the left shoulder and arm and nausea/vomiting at the same time. Not sure about the spine tingling pain, I just know that in most women a heart attack doesn't actually involve crushing chest pain. Hope this helps!

I'm a critical care nurse. Symptoms of a heart attack in woman can and do vary from women to men and person to person. I know the email that you are speaking of, as I just received it too. Those symptoms were specific to her, that does not mean that someone else won't have those same symptoms, you just don't know. Bottom line is, if you feel like something is off or not right, get seen, call ems, whatever. Don't hesitate. I lost my mother on December 1, do to an MI brought on by diabetic ketoacidosis. She was a nurse and mistook an MI for a gallbladder attack and was gone a week later because of damage to her heart. You can always contact me with any questions.

You know its funny I have been getting all the symptoms of a heart attack. Jaw pain, left arm pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, some palpitations, some back pain.I have had literally every cardiac test and they say its not my heart. Just interesting to read the comments and to know something is wrong but no one listen to me. Not sure what to do. I have an appointment with Cleveland Clinic in a month but afraid I won't make it to that appointment. I am 34 y.o., 5'4", 110 lbs. Normal heart cath, CT heart scan, echo, thallium and cardiolite stress test, ekgs, blood work, tilt table test. Have tried beta blocker and calcium channel blocker didn't work. Anxiety meds were given to me, but not a fan of medicine. I thought of prinzmetal angina, or microvascular disease but my cardiologist says this is not your heart. Hmmm what do I do?

If you have any question at all - call or be seen. Peace of mind is best in the end....

The info that Myra J provided in the previous response is accurate. Just keep in mind that symptoms can differ from person to person. Some people present with many symptoms, while others may have only one or two. Pain in the jaw and back are among some of the signs that could signal a heart attack. In my professional experience, women don't always present with all of the "classic" signs of a heart attack. Many times they feel very anxious for no apparent reason or they may just have the "feeling" that something isn't right. I tell my patients to listen to their body and call a medical professional anytime they are concerned about their health. Hope this helps!

Hi K.:

The best source of information is the American Heart Association's web site, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3....

But, as one person said, if you have any question/concern call your doctor.

This came from the AHA web site (page link above).
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

Best of luck,
B. M.

Jaw pain is difinitely a sign for women and should be checked out immeadiately

I just downloaded this from the mayo clinic website hope it helps. mj

How would you know if it's your heart?
It can be difficult or even impossible to tell what's causing chest pain. Be on the lookout for these heart-related warning signs:

Sudden pressure, tightening, squeezing or crushing pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes
Pain spreading to the back, neck, jaw, shoulders or arms — especially the left arm
Chest discomfort accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness or nausea
Pressure or tightness in the chest during physical activity or when you're under emotional stress

MORE ON THIS TOPIC
Chest pain

When should you get medical help?
Occasional bouts of heartburn are common. If you have persistent heartburn or take antacids daily, consult your doctor. Your heartburn may be a symptom of GERD.

If the heartburn seems worse or different from normal — especially if it occurs during physical activity or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, nausea or pain radiating into your shoulder and arm — get emergency help immediately. These signs and symptoms may indicate a heart attack. In addition, seek medical attention immediately if you experience new chest discomfort and you have had a heart attack before, have heart disease or diabetes, smoke, are overweight or have high cholesterol. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment may save your life.

I am not a doctor or nurse but I am a health advocate and have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating, educating and promoting health, and wellness in Washington, DC. Below is some helpful information and may answer your question:

website: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey...

Knowing the early warning signs of heart attack is critical for prompt recognition and treatment. Many heart attacks start slowly, unlike the dramatic portrayal often seen in the movies. A person experiencing a heart attack may not even be sure of what is happening. Heart attack symptoms vary among individuals, and even a person who has had a previous heart attack may have different symptoms in a subsequent heart attack. Although chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom of a heart attack, heart attack victims may experience a diversity of symptoms that include:
Pain, fullness, and/or squeezing sensation of the chest
Jaw pain, toothache, headache
Shortness of breath
Nausea, vomiting, and/or general epigastric (upper middle abdomen) discomfort
Sweating
Heartburn and/or indigestion
Arm pain (more commonly the left arm, but may be either arm)
Upper back pain
General malaise (vague feeling of illness)
No symptoms (Approximately one quarter of all heart attacks are silent, without chest pain or new symptoms. Silent heart attacks are especially common among patients with diabetes mellitus)