Am I Having A Heart Attack? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Crushing pain in the centre of the chest

A typical presentation of a heart attack involves either a dull ache or a pain that is of a crushing nature in the centre of the chest. Despite what many people think, our hearts are located in almost the centre of the chest, behind the sternum or the breastbone. The heart does lie more to the left of the midline than the right, as it lies obliquely in the area known as the mediastinum.
Burning pain in the centre of the chest is usually associated with heartburn, also known as indigestion.

Answer: Yes

A feeling of nausea, with or without vomiting, is a common finding with people suffering a heart attack. This is due to irritation of the vagus nerve, which innervates both the heart and the stomach.

Answer: Grey or ashen

Many illnesses have the person become white or paler than usual. Yellow or jaundiced is generally associated with liver problems, or too much fake tan. People who are bright pink or red may be hot, embarrassed, or may have been poisoned by cyanide or carbon monoxide. People having heart attacks may turn an ashen, grey colour, which is very concerning every time you see it.

Some people may also turn blue (which is why I didn't list blue as an option), which indicates that they are not receiving as much oxygen as they need.

Answer: No

One of the myriad symptoms of a heart attack is the sensation of needing to go to the toilet to evacuate the bowels. I always ask the person what it is they feel the need to go for. This can be a little embarrassing, however, it may save the person's life. Opening the bowel puts additional strain on a heart that is already having a hard time and the act of straining also slows the heart rate. Either of these can have fatal consequences for the patient. It is best if they wait until they are at the hospital before they use the facilities.

Answer: Yes

Some people have absolutely no symptoms at all - no chest pains, no nausea, no radiation of pain, nothing. People with Diabetes and women are more likely to have what is called a "silent infarct", or a heart attack without any symptoms, than are men and people without diabetes.

Answer: 15 minutes

Any pain in your chest that you are concerned about, that lasts more than 15 minutes deserves prompt medical attention. "Minutes save myocardium" is the best advice that I can give - the sooner that you have your discomfort looked at, the sooner we can rule out anything concerning, or the sooner that you can receive treatment. Treatment is available for heart attacks, and the sooner you receive it, the better off you will be long-term.

It may even save your life.

Answer: All of these options are correct

The discomfort felt during a heart attack may also radiate through the body. Sometimes it can go into the right or left arm, or both, or it can radiate up into the jaw. Never discount the signs or symptoms of a heart attack or hope that they will go away. Too many people each year die from heart attacks that were potentially treatable had they sought medical attention when they first noticed the symptoms.

Answer: Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris literally means 'pain in the chest'. Angina is a condition that involves narrowing of the coronary arteries, causing chest pain or discomfort. These symptoms mimic that of a heart attack, however usually resolve within 15 minutes. Nitrate sprays relieve the spasm by opening up the arteries. Common causes of angina include heavy meals, exercise and stress.

Answer: Call for an ambulance

Please call for an ambulance if you are concerned that someone is having a heart attack. Call 000 in Australia, 911 in the USA, or the emergency number in the country or area that you are in. It is imperative that you never allow someone whom you suspect of having a heart attack to drive themselves to the hospital.

They may lose consciousness on the road, having an accident and possibly killing themselves or other road users. Telephoning for an ambulance allows for medical advice to be given over the telephone until the ambulance arrives. People also receive treatment for their heart attack before they get to the hospital if an ambulance is called for them.

Answer: Being inactive

There are lots of risk factors for heart attacks, and unfortunately, paramedics are treating people who are younger and younger that are having a heart attack. If you have a family history of heart disease, there isn't much you can do about that. There are other steps we can all take though. Remember to quit smoking (or at least try to cut down if you can), try to take regular exercise (30 mins at least 3 times per week), eat as healthily as you can (fresh fruit and vegetables, oily fish at least twice each week if you can and cut down on fatty foods), and have a positive outlook. Remember to smile! Life is what you make it - let's try to make it one without you having a heart attack.