possible heart attack??

I am a 57 yr old female...Early A.M . I woke with pain in my chest,left arm hurting and left hand tingling as tho it was asleep,a headache and slight nausea.This lasted about an hour and went away and I went on to work feeling fine.  I have a hiatal hernia and I was wondering could it have been the hernia or a heart attack??? Can a person feel ok after a heart attack??

[jrbon]

Yes, you can have a HA without any clear symptom afterwards. However, more chances are that you had suffered an angina. As far as I know left arm pain and headache are not common with the hernia.

My advise is to see a cardiologist.

Jesus

[ed34]

I would think it was the Hiatal Hernia, especially if the sliding type. When you were laying down, part of the Stomach would have been protruding into your chest, but when you stood up it would have gradually slid back down due to gravity. Upper digestive system problems can give symptoms VERY similar to heart attacks or Angina attacks. I've had a heart attack and an inflamed Esophagus felt exactly the same. I had sweating, tingling, light headedness, shortness of breath and all the classic symptoms including chest pains.
If this continues, if may be worth discussing it with your Doctor, to see about having it repaired.