Understanding Heart Attacks: What You Need to Know
Written by Dr. Sakshi (MBBS, MD Psychiatry)
When we hear “heart attack,” most of us picture an older person suddenly clutching their chest in pain. But real life isn’t always that dramatic. Sometimes, it’s just feeling more tired than usual, getting out of breath too easily, or brushing off a weird pressure in the chest. And that’s exactly why we need to talk about it.
In this blog, let’s break it down in simple words—what a heart attack is, how it shows up (especially in women), and what we can learn from real-life cases like the sudden passing of actor Sidharth Shukla.
So, What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack happens when blood can’t reach a part of your heart. This usually happens because fatty deposits build up in the arteries and suddenly block the flow. Without that oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle starts getting damaged.
It’s serious. It needs quick action. And the faster someone gets help, the better their chances of recovery.
What Does a Heart Attack Feel Like?
It’s not always a sharp pain in the chest. In fact, many people don’t even realize they’re having one. Here are the common signs:
- Tightness or pressure in the chest – Could feel like someone is sitting on your chest.
- Shortness of breath – Even if you’re just sitting down.
- Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back – Doesn’t always stay in one place.
- Sweating without reason – Cold sweats that feel off.
- Nausea or feeling dizzy – Like something’s not quite right.
These signs might be mild or come and go. But they shouldn’t be ignored.
How Heart Attacks Look Different in Women
Women often experience heart attacks differently than men. The signs can be subtle—and often confused with other things like tiredness or stress.
Common heart attack symptoms in women include:
- Extreme fatigue that rest doesn’t fix
- Trouble sleeping
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back
- Nausea or a sick stomach feeling
- Feeling faint or dizzy
Because the symptoms aren’t always intense, many women don’t realize what’s happening. But they’re just as serious.
Remembering Sidharth Shukla
When TV star Sidharth Shukla died suddenly from a heart attack at age 40, it left everyone shocked. He looked young, fit, and healthy on the outside. But his sudden death reminded us all—heart attacks don’t just affect the elderly.
His story teaches us:
- Looking fit doesn’t always mean you’re healthy inside
- Mental stress and lack of rest can quietly harm your heart
- Even young people need regular health checkups
Shefali Jariwala’s Wellness Message
After Sidharth’s passing, actress Shefali Jariwala encouraged fans to take their health seriously. She talked about how mental and physical health are deeply connected.
Her message:
- Stay in tune with your body
- Make time for rest and recovery
- Don’t ignore emotional or physical exhaustion
- Use yoga and mindfulness to cope with stress
Her advice is especially powerful for women, who often put themselves last.
Who’s at Risk?
Some people are more likely to have a heart attack. Risk factors include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Lack of physical activity
- Diabetes
- Long-term stress
- Poor diet (too much processed food)
- Family history of heart disease
The good news? Many of these can be improved with simple lifestyle changes.
How to Take Care of Your Heart
You don’t need a perfect routine—just small steps every day:
- Be active – Even a 30-minute walk can make a big difference.
- Eat fresh food – More veggies, less junk.
- Quit smoking – Or help someone you love to quit.
- Manage stress – Through meditation, journaling, or talking it out.
- Get regular checkups – Know your blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol.
Sleep well – 7–8 hours is not a luxury—it’s a need.
When to Call for Help
If you feel sudden chest pain, can’t breathe properly, or have pain in your arm, back, or jaw—don’t wait.
Call emergency services right away. The faster you act, the better the outcome.
Final Thoughts
Heart attacks don’t always come with big warnings. That’s what makes them scary. But that also means awareness is your biggest weapon.
Sidharth Shukla’s story made us all realize—this can happen to anyone. Shefali Jariwala’s message reminds us—don’t ignore the signs.
Your heart works for you nonstop. Maybe it’s time you do something for it too.
Book an appointment with me and let’s understand your journey—together.
📍 Dr. Sakshi
MBBS, MD (Psychiatry)
Call for emergency help first. Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed. If you think you’re having a heart attack and you have a prescription for this medicine, take it as directed while waiting for emergency medical help. Start CPR if the person doesn’t have a pulse or isn’t breathing.
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, can present with a variety of symptoms, some more obvious than others. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort, which can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. However, pain can also radiate to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or even the upper belly. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
Many people feel pain in their chest during a heart attack. It can feel like discomfort, squeezing or heaviness, or it can feel like crushing pain. It may start in your chest and spread (or radiate) to other areas like your left arm (or both arms), shoulder, neck, jaw, back or down toward your waist.
