Six Signs You Might Be Experiencing An Heart Attack ( Signs And Management)
Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in the world, and identifying the signs and symptoms of a heart attack is crucial in seeking prompt medical attention. A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, resulting in damage to the heart muscle. Here are six signs that you might be experiencing a heart attack:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack. The pain may feel like a squeezing or pressure in the chest, and it may last for several minutes or come and go. This discomfort may also be accompanied by a feeling of tightness or fullness in the chest. Some people describe the feeling as a weight or elephant sitting on their chest.
- Shortness of Breath Shortness of breath is another common symptom of a heart attack. It may feel like you are struggling to catch your breath, or like you are unable to get enough air into your lungs. This can happen even when you are resting, or with minimal physical activity.
- Sweating is another symptom of a heart attack. You may experience sudden, unexplained sweating, even if the temperature around you is cool. This is because the body’s sympathetic nervous system is activated during a heart attack, causing sweating.
- Nausea or Vomiting Nausea or vomiting can also occur during a heart attack. Some people may feel nauseous, like they are going to be sick. Others may actually vomit.
- Upper Body Discomfort During a heart attack, you may feel discomfort in other parts of your upper body, such as your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. This discomfort may feel like aching, burning, or pressure.
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness Feeling lightheaded or dizzy can also be a sign of a heart attack. This is because the heart is not able to pump enough blood to the brain, causing a drop in blood pressure.
It is important to note that not everyone experiences the same symptoms during a heart attack. Some people may only have mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms. Women and older adults may also experience atypical symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, or a feeling of indigestion.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call for medical assistance. Time is critical when it comes to treating a heart attack. Early intervention can reduce the amount of damage to your heart muscle and improve chances of survival. If you’re experiencing a heart attack, the medical team will likely administer medications to open up your blocked arteries, such as aspirin, nitroglycerin ,or thrombolytics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow to the heart.
Preventing a heart attack starts with making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular exercise, not smoking, managing stress, and controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. If you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risk.
References:
American Heart Association. (2021). Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Heart Attack Symptoms, Risk, and Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart Attack. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack