Your heart is constantly at work, pumping blood throughout your whole body even as you sleep, it gets no rest. But when plaque begins to build in the arteries it could cause a blood clot to form that can block blood flow into the heart muscle. When this happens, when the flow is mostly or completely blocked, it's what's called a heart attack. A heart attack can damage your heart permanently and could potentially cause death, so it's very important to know the signs. Learn more about heart attacks and what you can do to prevent them by getting in contact with Dr. Virginia Gonzalez of the Cardiovascular Diagnostic Center in West Monroe and Winnsboro, LA.

Chest Pain

Chest pain is perhaps the most commonly reported symptom of people who have suffered a heart attack. It's characterized as a severe pain that can radiate to other parts of the body. Traditionally you'll hear of additional pain on your left arm, but it can be felt in other parts of your body as well.

The pain could be really bad in one moment and then go away, but you shouldn't lower your guard as it often returns, if not within hours, it could be only days.

But there are also those who did not experience chest pain during their heart attack and instead felt pressure, or tightness, in their chest.

Fatigue and Nausea

Because your heart has to work harder to pump blood some of the common symptoms you may also experience during a heart attack include fatigue, shortness of breath, sweat, and nausea.

So if you're feeling extra tired for no real reason, or have been sweating overnight, you may have reason to be concerned about a heart attack.

Many women dismiss night sweats, fatigue, and dizziness as part of menopause symptoms, but it's important to speak with your doctor about any of these signs.

On Heart Attack Prevention in West Monroe, LA

If you believe you are experiencing a heart attack get emergency help as quickly as possible. Either yourself or whoever is with you needs to call an ambulance right away.

But for help with preventing a heart attack, you can schedule a consultation today with Dr. Gonzalez of the Cardiovascular Diagnostic Center in West Monroe and Winnsboro, LA, by dialing (318) 338-3540.