Named an unexpected sign of a heart attack

Cardiologist revealed non-obvious signs of a heart attack that saved his life. Mild discomfort, unusual chest pressure, and a sudden urge to use the bathroom may signal the onset of a heart attack, American cardiologist William Wilson, who personally experienced this dangerous condition during a regular workout with his wife, shared with the Daily Mail.

The heart attack struck the 63-year-old specialist unexpectedly. As Wilson explained, the first alarming signals were a gradually intensifying feeling of malaise and an unpleasant pressure in the chest. Notably, the pain wasn't sharp or piercing – it felt more dull and pulling. The cardiologist specifically noted that such "atypical" symptoms are often ignored by people because they don't match common perceptions of how a heart attack should manifest.

The doctor paid special attention to a symptom rarely mentioned in medical recommendations – a sudden and persistent urge to use the bathroom. According to the expert's explanation, this sign is related to the sharp activation of the autonomic nervous system at the onset of a heart attack, which causes a strong need to empty the bowels or bladder.

Among other concerning signs, Wilson highlighted unexplainably profuse sweating that occurred despite the low intensity of physical activity, as well as an overwhelming sense of doom that resembled a panic attack.

Surprisingly, even with professional knowledge and many years of experience in cardiology, Wilson didn't immediately decide to call an ambulance – the typical denial of the seriousness of the situation that many patients experience affected him too. Only after some time did he inform his wife about his symptoms, who immediately arranged his transportation to the hospital. The cardiologist emphasized that during a heart attack, the promptness of actions often becomes the decisive factor for saving a life.