When starved of oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle begins to cramp. It's very similar to a leg muscle cramp, which can occur after running long distances. This common chest pain is known as angina. While it usually goes away after a short period of rest, its presence is a warning sign of an impending heart attack.
Heart attacks can be fatal if a person is not immediately treated at an emergency room or hospital. Studies have shown that the faster one gets to a hospital, the better his or her chance of surviving a heart attack.
If you feel any cramping in your chest, please call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
