On hearing the name of heart attack, often the thought of severe chest pain and discomfort comes to mind, but do you know that back pain can also be a symptom of a heart attack? Many people consider back pain to be common, but sometimes it can point to a serious problem. Let us know from Dr. Bimal Chhajer (Former Consultant - AIIMS and Director - Saaol Heart Center, New Delhi) what back pain is like in a heart attack and how it can be avoided.

• What is the back pain like during a heart attack?

When someone has a heart attack, the arteries that carry blood to the heart get blocked. This can affect many parts of the body and pain can also be felt in the back. This pain is usually sharp and continuous and many times people ignore it thinking it to be muscle pain or fatigue. If this pain is spreading to the chest, left arm, or neck, then it can be a sign of a heart attack.

Other symptoms-

• heaviness or tightness in the chest
• pain in the left arm, neck, or jaw
• Difficulty in breathing
• Excessive sweating
• weakness or dizziness
• Vomiting

Measures to prevent heart attack-

• Healthy diet: Include green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat food in your diet, and stay away from junk food and fried items.
•  Exercise: Regular exercise helps keep your heart healthy. Walk, do yoga, or do some physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day.
• Avoid stress: Stress can be a major cause of heart attack. Take care of your mental health by adopting meditation and other relaxation techniques.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Both these habits promote heart disease, so stay away from them.
• Regular health check-ups: Get your cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar checked from time to time, so that any potential problem can be detected in time.

If you are experiencing other symptoms along with back pain, do not ignore it. It is important to understand the symptoms of a heart attack and get timely treatment. Always be alert and take care of your health.