Knowledge is key

Knowledge Key

by H van Dyk - 2024-02-14 17:10:59

I think it's a misunderstanding to believe that a pacemaker is the result of one or two heart attacks. People get pacemakers for entirely other reasons. Most of the time a pacemaker is installed because of Sinus block and/or AV block. This medical situation has to do with the electric rhythm and electric conduction of the heart. This can (for example) be the cause of an unwanted decrease of the number of beats per minute (bpm). Let's say from 60 to 40 - or even lower. This potentially dangerous situation can effectively be handled (not cured) by a pacemaker.

Google is your friend when it comes to more detailed info about Sinus block and AV block.

symptoms

by Tracey_E - 2024-02-14 19:20:39

Are you asking what the heart attack symptoms would be with a pacer? Or symptoms in general? A heart attack would be exactly the same. Pacers fix electrical problems. Heart attacks are plumbing. 

Heart Attack symptoms

by Old male - 2024-02-14 21:51:51

Tests 26 yrs ago indicated scar on my heart.  Dr asked when was my Heart Attack?  I didn't know as there were no memorable symptoms.  Had to have bypass surgery 5 arteries. Only symptom leading up to surgery was sudden and total  lack of energy, no pain.  

6 yrs later, experience what felt like indigestion that progressed to a feeling that a hand inside my chest was squeezing my heart.  Started in a wilderness area requiring a helicopter ride and 2 stents. Totally blocked right coronary artery. Ruptured arterial plaque.  A 12 hr event.

10 yrs ago received ICD for Ventricular Tachycardia.  Dr explained it was common for scarring to cause arrhythmia issues later.  

An important post

by Gemita - 2024-02-14 23:48:18

Nina, your post is too important a message to leave unanswered.  I am assuming that you are wanting to know if anyone has experienced heart attack symptoms and what those symptoms were?  

I read with great interest Old Male’s account leading up to his heart attack. I have often heard from heart attack patients that their ECGs may have indicated a heart attack at some time in the past, whereas they were unaware of such an event at the time which is truly concerning.  I have heard something similar from stroke patients too.  The body is truly amazing how it can remain silent and continue to do its work when it has suffered such events.

For women, chest pain is the most common symptom and women are more likely than men to have other symptoms too, especially nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, back pain, and jaw pain.

I think it is important that we all follow up on any new chest pain symptoms just in case even if they turn out to be caused by another condition.  I attach a useful link.  Stay safe everyone

https://www.verywellhealth.com/heart-attack-diagnosis-4685099

Heart attack symptoms

by Lavender - 2024-02-15 18:27:22

From the American Heart Association:
 

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense but
may start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort.
Here are some signs of a heart attack:
•
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. This may occur with or
without chest discomfort.
•
Other signs: These may include breaking out
in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women’s most common heart
attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But
women may experience other symptoms that are
typically less associated with heart attack, such
as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and
back or jaw pain.

What should I do if I suspect a heart attack?
Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, immediately call 9-1-1 or your local emergency medical services (EMS), such as the fire department or ambulance. EMS staff can begin
treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. People with chest pain who arrive at the hospital by ambulance also usually
receive faster treatment.

Why don’t people act fast enough?
Many people having a heart attack wait more than three hours before seeking help. Some people feel it would be embarrassing to have a “false alarm.” Others are so afraid
of having a heart attack that they tell themselves they aren’t having one. These feelings are easy to understand, but they’re also very dangerous.
If you or someone close to you shows signs of a heart attack, call 911 and get help right away!

False symptoms

by Old male - 2024-02-17 00:23:15

Another twist. About 5 years ago, my wife experienced 2 episodes of Esophageal Spasms.  First time I drove her to ER thinking it was a heart attack. Tests did not indicate so.  Both of our parents had history of Cardiac issues and heart attacks

The 2nd time we had just gotten ready and about to leave for some friends 50th wedding celebration.  She sat down in a chair and told me to call for an ambulance.  The local Fire Dept arrived with Medics and put her on a stretcher, EKG reading we were told confirmed heart attack. So off to Hospital where they denied the Medics diagnosis. 

Both times i had shared my Nitroglycerin with her when the pains started and seemed to help.  Appointment the next week with Cardiologist who explained that Esophagus Spasms can mimic a heart attack and Nitroglycerin helped.  He even provided a prescription for her.  

If you research Esophageal issues it recommends not to take a chance and seek immediate treatment.  Her symptoms were chest pain, nausea...same as for Heart Attack.