The recent passing of former Asian Games gold medalist and coach Jaspal Rana is a heartbreaking reminder that heart attacks do not always present as severe chest pain.
According to reports, he initially believed his symptoms were due to acidity or indigestion, delaying medical attention. By the time treatment was received, significant damage had already occurred to the heart muscle.
A heart attack can sometimes feel like
• Burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen
• Heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest
• Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, shoulder, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
• Unusual fatigue, especially in women and people with diabetes
Red Flags
It’s probably NOT just acidity if:
- Symptoms worsen with physical activity
- Discomfort does not improve with antacids
- Chest pain lasts more than a few minutes or keeps returning
- It is associated with sweating, breathlessness, or radiating pain
What happens during a heart attack?
Most heart attacks occur due to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), where fatty deposits (plaques) narrow the arteries supplying blood to the heart. When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can completely block blood flow, causing myocardial infarction (heart attack).
The longer the delay in treatment, the greater the damage to the heart muscle.
Remember:
Time is muscle. Early recognition and immediate treatment can save lives.
If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms:
- Call emergency medical services immediately
- Seek urgent medical attention
- Get an ECG and cardiac evaluation without delay
Clinical Pearl
Never self-diagnose persistent chest discomfort as “gas” or “acidity,” especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.
Have you ever ignored symptoms thinking they were just acidity? Awareness and timely action can make all the difference.
MBH/DB