Tooth & Jaw Pain: Is your heart crying out for help?

Everyone knows that pain in the left arm and shoulder may indicate a heart attack. Rather, it is hoped that everyone knows that. 
But did you know that pain in the teeth and jaw can also be an indicator of a heart attack?

There are many reported cases of people having heart attacks without experiencing tell-tale signs like left arm and shoulder pain. Even shortness of breath or cold sweats may not always occur.

Most heart attacks begin with subtle symptoms - with only discomfort that often is not described as pain.

Did you know these symptoms may also herald a heart attack?

Pain: in the jaw, gums and teeth, face, neck, upper abdomen or legs! This is usually a pressure pain or a burning pain.

Invisible Symptoms: Visual or sleep disturbances, stress, unusual fatigue, anxiety, nausea and vomiting, flushing, dizziness, panic attacks or a feeling of impending doom.

Heart attacks may be prevented if your doctor is aware of your symptoms in time.

A study shows that the most severe symptoms in the 90 days before an attack included pain and anxiety/fatigue. Majority of women who have suffered heart attacks did not have chest pain or upper left arm or shoulder pain preceding it. Research also shows that women may experience symptoms which lead to a heart attack almost 4-6 months before the attack!  

WAIT !

This does not mean that every time you have tooth or jaw pain, you should visit a cardiologist! More often than not, the cause is dental. A visit to the dentist is recommended to help zero in on the cause. A follow-up visit with your family doctor may be advised, if required. It is important to remember that pain is the body’s way of warning us of disease. Please do not ignore warning signs and symptoms.

For those with an academic interest...

Read about a very unusual case reported by Dr. Hatim Attar and me.

Dental Pathology Overlapping With Cardiac Origin Of Jaw Pain Leading To Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report