Don't ignore possible heart attack symptoms

A Northampton woman, who suffered a heart attack on Monday, is urging others not to ignore symptoms after initially dismissing warning signs which were ‘nothing like she’s seen on TV’.

Ann Bartlett is currently being cared for in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Kettering General Hospital.

She said: “I had a heart attack quite out of the blue. It is all a bit of a blur. I thought how can I have had a heart attack I’m only 55? It was nothing like you see on TV.

“But I’ve received brilliant care, I can’t fault it.”

Ann had been having symptoms but did not realise they could be the warning signs of a heart attack.

She said: “I had a heavy feeling in my arm and up into my neck but I thought maybe I had held the dog funny or twisted awkwardly. I ignored it as it went as quickly as it came.”

Then while at work on Monday her symptoms increased, causing pain from her arm into her jaw, sweating and vomiting.

She added: “I went to work as normal but I started to feel peculiar. I started to sweat and yet I’m usually the one asking to turn the air conditioning off. Then I realised I was going to be poorly.”

Ann’s work team supported her and soon an ambulance was dispatched to bring her to Kettering General Hospital.

Ann said: “I can’t remember some of it. I’m still shocked.

“They have been wonderful here. No question is too much and if they don’t know they will find someone who does. I’m very grateful to them, and I’m glad I didn’t ignore it on Monday - if I had, I question if I would still be here.”

Anju Kanikunnel Stanislavose, who is the ward manager on the CCU, said: “Please don’t ignore any symptoms. People often say they thought it was indigestion, or they didn’t take it seriously because they were exercising or gardening and thought it was just muscle pain - but there is no harm in getting it checked. If it is a heart attack, the earlier you alert a medical team, the better.”

Responding to Ann’s feedback Anju added: “I am very proud of the care our team provides. We work hard to make sure patients are safe, supported and receive the right treatment at the right time. Feedback like Ann’s means a great deal to the team.”

If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 999. Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, pain spreading to the arm, neck, jaw, and/or back, shortness of breath, sudden sweating, feeling/ being sick or heartburn/indigestion-like symptoms.

And Ann’s advice to anyone reading: “You know your own body, and if you are unsure query it. It is never a waste of a question.”