Myocardial infarction, or heart attack as it is commonly called is a life-threatening health condition if not treated properly. A heart attack occurs when one of the coronary arteries connected to the heart gets blocked, stopping the blood supply. Early detection and diagnosis can prevent serious damage to the heart and tissues. It can not only save your life but also of those around you.
Anyone, irrespective of their age or sex, can have a heart attack. Certain lifestyle habits and diseases are responsible for blockages in blood vessels which causes further problems. People with smoking habits, obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart attacks should be extra cautious and treat early symptoms with seriousness.
Most signs of a heart attack are subtle and easy to overlook. Even a minor delay in treatment can be fatal, and reduce chances of recovery. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, however, it can vary with age. Older people, especially women, experience unrelated symptoms like nausea or sudden weakness. Also, health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of asymptomatic attacks. Let us look at how to detect early signs of a heart attack and what to do in case of emergencies.
Chest pain is the most common, and usually the first symptom of a heart attack. If you have a clogged blood vessel, you might feel discomfort and tightness in your chest’s center or left part. A sudden, sharp pain might last a few minutes, usually when your body is at rest. Some patients report the pain as heavy, like a bulky object placed on the chest, while others feel a sharp pinch. Either way, report to a doctor immediately.
Nausea and weakness are other common symptoms, especially in women, that could be early signs of heart attacks. Sweating, nausea, vomiting, etc. might look like any other normal discomforts, and they usually are, but it is also important to know that it could be serious. If your family has a history of heart attacks, or you have an underlying health condition, consult a doctor.
- Pain that Extends to the Arm
Usually, the chest pain from a heart attack extends to the left arm and radiates down the left side of your body. It is a classic early symptom if you feel discomfort on the left. The pain starts in the chest and slowly extends to the arm. If there is no reason your arm should be hurting, check for a possible symptom of a heart attack.
If your body aches without any reason or physical movements, it is a possible early symptom. A slight fever is followed by discomfort all over the body. A clogged blood vessel puts strain on your body and weakens your muscles. If the body ache persists after resting, visit a doctor immediately.
Swollen body parts are a sign that your blood vessels are unable to pump blood effectively. When the heart cannot pump blood fast enough, it causes bloating and swells vessels. Heart failure also affects kidneys and their ability to filter extra sodium and water. If you see the tips of your fingers and toes swollen without any reason, it can be an early sign of a heart attack.
If you suddenly start sweating or break out a sweat in cold temperatures, it is a valid symptom to consider. You might also feel exhausted doing everyday tasks like climbing stairs or carrying bags of groceries. If you feel that your body has weakened, and you’re sweating more than usual, report this to your doctor and take the necessary treatment.
Variations in heart rate are common when you exercise or engage in any physical activity. However, irregularity in heart rate without any cause is worrisome. If you’re feeling palpitations or shortness of breath, do not ignore the early signs. Check for your breath, especially at night when you lose a lot of sleep.
What to do in case of heart attack symptoms?
Immediate action can save lives in case you notice any early symptoms. Many symptoms that may look normal should not be overlooked. If you feel uneasy and the problem persists for several days, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. Heart attacks damage your tissues and blood vessels seriously. They cause irreversible damage to your cardiovascular system if not treated on time.
Heart attack symptoms are always mild in the beginning, but quickly become severe. The patient may lose consciousness. It is important that nobody panics and dials the emergency contact immediately. Your heart does not receive oxygenated blood when the arteries are clogged. A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet will ensure your blood circulates freely and there are no risks of heart attacks.
