We all used to think that TV series or movies portray heart attacks perfectly.
But the truth is far from reality.
Dramatic and gradual. However, heart attacks are random and volatile.
It began in simple body signals that we usually ignore.
That’s our biggest problem. We never thought of those body signals as critical information.
Here’s why feeling something, no matter how minor, should not be ignored.
What is a Heart Attack?
In layman’s terms, a heart attack is a reaction when your blood fails to reach a part of your heart.
The blood transports not only nutrients, but also enough oxygen that is needed by your heart.
When it happens, the heart muscles are damaged.
The only way to prevent it is to act fast, before it greatly affects you.
Chest Pain as the Obvious Symptom
The obvious symptom of a heart attack is having a feeling of discomfort in your chest.
People who experience a heart attack have a different take on this matter.
For them, chest discomfort can be characterized by the following:
- Squeezing
- Fullness
- Tightness
- Pressure
- Feeling Heavy
- Mild Pain
- Recurring Pain
The Pain May Spread
Heart attack-related discomfort doesn’t always feel in your chest.
In fact, it moves to other areas of your body.
It can move on your jaw, shoulders, back, neck, or arms (possibly only one arm).
The spreading pain is a serious symptom that you should not ignore. It signals you that your heart is more prone to complications than you ever thought.
Breathing Difficulty
Another symptom of a heart attack is when you experience shortness of breath without doing anything.
This can be either a heavier breathing feeling or difficulty in catching your breath.
It happens before or during the moment when you feel discomfort in your chest.
Other Signs You Often Miss or Ignore
There are heart attacks that occur suddenly.
This type of attack is not the dramatic ones we’ve seen in series.
They quietly appear because we didn’t pay attention to the early signs.
Here are some of the signs that you must not ignore:
- Cold sweat without a valid reason.
- Extremely tired even if there’s no heavy activity.
- Feeling dizzy or fainting.
- Stomach Pain
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
Differences in Symptoms between Men and Women
Both men and women have different experiences when it comes to heart attacks.
The subtle signs that men and women experience are also different from each other.
Here’s how the symptoms of a heart attack vary between men and women:
Men: Strong chest pain
Women: Back pain, nausea, and feeling fatigued.
Regardless if you are a man or a woman, if you happen to recognize these early symptoms. Act quickly to prevent a heart attack.
When to Make an Action?
If the early symptoms you experience are intense, recurring, or lasting longer than a few minutes, it’s a sign that you need to call for an emergency service immediately.
Every minute counts. A speedy action can help you improve your survival rate, recover quickly, and prevent your heart from being damaged.
Don’t let for too long. Otherwise, your case will get too complicated.
Who’s at Risk?
People who have one, any, or all of the following factors are at risk of getting a heart attack.
Here are some of the risk factors where patients who have it are in a health borderline:
- Smoking
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Having a High Cholesterol Diet
- Diabetes / High Glycemic Levels
- High Blood Pressure
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Has a family history of heart disease
- Being Overweight or Obese
A Health Reminder
To reduce the possibility of getting a heart attack, adopt these healthy habits and add them to your routine:
- Getting enough and quality sleep.
- Be physically active.
- Avoid excessive smoking or drinking liquor.
- Eat healthy and well-balanced meals.
Add them to your routine and do it consistently. You will see the positive differences.
Act Fast, Rescue Your Body
Heart attacks may come suddenly, by drama, or by surprise.
However, they don’t always show up announced. They came with a warning.
A warning or a series of warnings that we often ignore.
But now that we know, it’s better to always pay attention to your body.
Feeling something on your chest? Don’t treat it lightly. Make it a big deal.
If a heart attack suddenly shows up, don’t be nonchalant. Act fast before everything goes late. Seek medical help immediately and don’t panic.