Doctor Nguyen Hoai Vu, from the Cardiology Department of Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, explains that not all chest pain is dangerous. However, it can signal various conditions, from acid reflux and pleurisy to costochondritis, or, more seriously, a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery is suddenly blocked, cutting off blood supply to the heart and damaging the heart muscle. Dr. Vu highlights the types of chest pain that often indicate a heart attack.

Tightness and heavy pressure in the center of the chest are the most typical symptoms. Patients often describe a deep ache, a squeezing sensation, or a feeling of heaviness. The pain usually centers behind the breastbone and may radiate to the left shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back. It can last from a few minutes to over 20 minutes, doesn't subside with rest, and is often accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea.

Pain radiating to other areas, such as the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or back, especially on the left side, can also indicate a heart attack due to the interconnected nerve pathways between the heart and these areas.

A dull ache or persistent tightness in the chest is easily mistaken for fatigue or stomach problems. Not all heart attacks cause intense pain. Some individuals, especially the elderly, women, or those with diabetes, may only experience a dull ache, a persistent heavy feeling in the chest, or a vague sense of discomfort.

Chest pain accompanied by systemic symptoms such as shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness, cold sweats, nausea, vomiting, or unusual anxiety can signal acute myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart). Immediate medical attention is crucial in such cases.

Chest pain occurring during rest or in the middle of the night is also a red flag. Not all heart attacks occur during exertion. They can strike while resting or even sleeping. Immediate medical help is necessary if this happens.

The "golden hour" for heart attack treatment is within the first 90 minutes of symptom onset. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, or a history of heart disease should be especially vigilant about these symptoms, as they face a higher risk of serious complications.

Dr. Vu emphasizes that the "golden hour" for heart attack treatment is within the first 90 minutes of symptom onset. If diagnosed and treated within this timeframe, patients have a higher chance of recovery and a lower risk of death or subsequent heart failure. Therefore, seeking immediate medical attention is critical at the first sign of a potential heart attack.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 17.5 million global deaths annually from cardiovascular diseases. Heart attacks require urgent care, and without prompt treatment, the risk of death can be as high as 50%.

Ly Nguyen