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Published: 2019-11-27T08:00:00Z
It should be remembered that every heart attack is different...
Only a few of the signs and symptoms may be present, indeed up to a quarter of heart attacks suffered are 'silent' without any chest pain. A silent heart attack is more likely to occur in diabetic patients and the elderly.
| Angina | Heart Attack | |
|---|---|---|
Onset | Sudden, usually during exertion, stress or extreme weather. | Sudden, can occur at rest. |
Pain | 'Vice-like' squashing pain, often described as 'dull', 'tightness' or 'pressure' on the chest. Can be mistaken for indigestion. | ''Vice-like' squashing pain, often described as 'dull', 'tightness' or 'pressure' on the chest. Can be mistaken for indigestion. |
Location of pain | Central chest area. Can radiate into either arm (more commonly the left), the neck, jaw, back, or shoulders. | Central chest area. Can radiate into either arm (more commonly the left), the neck, jaw, back, or shoulders. |
Duration | Usually last 3-8 minutes, rarely longer. | Usually lasts longer than 30 minutes. |
Skin | Pale, may be sweaty. | Pale, grey colour. May sweat profusely. |
Pulse | Variable, depending on which area has a lack of oxygen. Often becomes irregular, missing beats. | Variable, depending on which area has a lack of oxygen. Often becomes irregular, missing beats. |
Other signs and symptoms | Shortness of breath, weakness, anxiety. | Shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, vomiting. Sense of 'impending doom'. |
Factors giving relief | Resting, reducing stress, taking 'G.T.N' medication. | 'G.T.N' medication may give partial or no relief. |
Associated reading: Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)