4. Trouble breathingÂ
A heart attack is also characterized by difficulty when breathing. When such a circumstance arises, senior adults are more vulnerable to deadly health issues.
In general, breathing difficulties are a prelude to chest pain and should be handled carefully by a professional care provider. Tightness in the entire upper body or torso might also indicate an imminent MI. If this is the case, getting the affected person to a hospital for medical attention is critical.
The heart and respiratory system are strongly intertwined. The heart delivers oxygen-rich blood to tissues while recycling oxygen-depleted blood via the lungs. Shortness of breath happens when the heart is unable to adequately transport blood through the lungs or the entire body. To put it easier, shortness of breath is caused by the absence of oxygen in the blood.
This sign may occur a while before the actual MI, so if simple daily tasks have become exhausting, you should probably see a doctor.
10 thoughts on “8 Signs of a Heart Attack Seniors May Feel”
I just went through that. however the tired and fatigue continue, I have no energy, still have problems with shortness of breathing. I had been complaining to my primary doctor he didn’t seem concerned. The cardiologist does not seems, concerned with my fatigue I do not know weather they checked my heart thoroughly I still suffer with shortness of breath when I work hard. one thing they were very thorough with the bill, 75,000 for 2 days in the hospital and one meal.
Why are you still seeing these doctors? I have had doctors like that and when I leave their office after a couple appointments, I choose another doctor.
What ever happened to: bend over and kiss your butt goodbye???
What’s wrong with you…
I am 84 years old. For almost 4 years, I have consulted with my PCP,
complaining of the mentioned symptoms. I even went to ER couple of times.
Recently, while visiting my Daughter (in a neighboring state) I was finally diagnosed with AFib in the ER. After a week’s stay in the hospital my heart rate was stabilized. I was given a 30 day supply of blood thinners and heart med, discharged and told to return to my PCP for ‘follow-up’.
My experience has taught me that the medical professionals are too often not as aware of the symptoms of heart problems, as the general public!!
True:
If you have pain or discomfort in your chest or arms that you have never felt before, head to the hospital,
Thanks for confirming some of my symptoms. Being a woman, I just poo poo being tired and shortness of breath. I didn’t know tightness in chest like indigestion could be a precursor to an MI. Also the jaw pain, shoulder tightness, and hi back pains. MI’s run in my Mother’s family too. Thank you so much.
If you are over 80 I found you might as well be dead. In Sydney under the government health service doctors have to get you in and out in 15 minutes which just about covers hearing your complaint and the inevitable taking of blood pressure on the machine. So two weeks ago with chest pains, ankle, leg, shoulder pains, one side of chest not working and an earlier operation to clear nasal passages that didn’t work – coupled with persistent headache, I went to the Hornsby Hospital. Well, to be kept for nine hours with five blood pressure fiascos, never having seen a full doctor and without a Bex for the headache, I was discharged with a nice letter complete with comments on Xray and scans with the treatment recommended “See a Doctor”. I’m now off to Thailand where I know they take these things seriously…
I would like to understand symptoms of heart problems.
My chest hurts very often , I don’t have health insurance, do you think that pain has something to do with my hear?