A health crisis can happen unexpectedly, but the body often sends warning signs that something is wrong.
Many people tend to ignore them, hoping they'll feel better.
Certain symptoms should always get your attention, says emergency medicine physician, Dr. Ashely Alker, author of “99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them.”
“Your brain and your heart, those are two things that will kill you,” Alker tells TODAY.com, so pain and discomfort from those regions of the body need top priority.
Heart Health Tip of the Day: Never Ignore Chest Pain
Chest pain is the most commonly ignored symptom that signals something serious, Alker says.
“Cardiac disease is the lead killer in the U.S. There’s never a reason to ignore chest pain. If your right foot hurts, call your primary care doctor, but if you have chest pain, you need to go to an emergency department immediately,” Alker says.
“People are like, ‘Oh, I thought it was reflux,’ or ‘I thought it would just go away’ or ‘It was Easter brunch, so I thought I would just come later.’ Don’t do that.”
Why It Matters
Chest pain is a major symptom of a heart attack, which happens when a coronary artery that delivers blood to the heart is suddenly blocked.
The heart can’t get enough oxygen and heart muscle will begin to die, unless the patient gets prompt treatment.
“We have 90 minutes to get a stent in you in order to pop that blood vessel back open and save the tissue so it doesn’t die,” Alker says.
“It is a time sensitive situation.”
How to Get Started
Chest pain associated with a heart attack feels like uncomfortable tightness, squeezing or fullness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For some people, it can feel like heartburn or indigestion.
It can be in the center or left side of the chest, and last for more than a few minutes or go away and come back.
The chest pain may radiate to the jaw, back or shoulder, and is often described as “a crushing pressure,” Alker writes in her book. “Chest pain is always worth checking out.”
Call 911 if you notice these symptoms, the CDC advises.
TODAY’s Expert Tip of the Day series is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
