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Topics
A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood supply to the heart is blocked, frequently due to plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries. Identifying the warning indicators is important for immediate intervention and can considerably improve results.
Anyone can be affected by heart attacks, however, people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a family history of heart disease should be more alert regarding their condition.
Identifying Heart Attack Warning Signs
Chest discomfort
- Chest discomfort is usually the most common, well-known heart attack symptom; you may experience a pressurised, squeezing, full, or painful feeling in the centre of your chest that persists for more than a few minutes or comes and goes.
Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
- While these symptoms may not look like the most obvious signs of a heart attack, they are pretty common– particularly in women, and they can happen when you are least expecting them.
Jaw, neck, or back pain
- If you experience unexplained and unexpected discomforts in these body parts, it can indicate a heart attack. Not many know that experiencing pain in these areas is related to the heart, particularly in women.
Discomfort or pain in the arms or shoulders
- Pain extending from the chest to the arms or shoulders can also be a sign of a heart attack, and it is one of the common symptoms to look out for.
Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing, whether accompanied by chest pain or not, is another common symptom of a heart attack. This symptom can occur during rest or physical activity.
Differences in Symptoms for Men and Women
Women are more likely to experience additional symptoms that are usually less identified as heart attack-related. However, chest pain or discomfort is the most prevalent heart attack symptom among both men and women. Below are the following included symptoms:
- Breathlessness without chest pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Back, neck, or jaw pain that may feel sudden or out of the ordinary
Sometimes, heart attacks in women can be left untreated for longer compared to men because many women may write off these symptoms as being caused by stress, indigestion, or the flu.
What to Do if You Suspect a Heart Attack
You can save lives through swift action. If you or someone you know shows heart attack symptoms, follow these steps immediately:
Call for an ambulance | If you think you or anyone you know may be having a heart attack, call for emergency medical assistance right away. |
Chew an aspirin | Chewing an aspirin can help thin the blood and increase blood flow to the heart if you are not allergic to it. Only do this if emergency assistance is on the way. |
Stay calm and rest | Physical exertion may strain the heart more. Try your best to stay calm and still in this situation. |
Complications of a Heart Attack
A heart attack can cause severe complications if not addressed immediately, such as:
Heart failure | Heart failure, in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, can be caused by damage to the heart muscle. |
Arrhythmias | After a heart attack, irregular heartbeats can happen due to damage to the heart muscles. |
Cardiac arrest | Cardiac arrest, in which the heart stops beating, can be triggered in serious cases. |
Preventing a Heart Attack
Making good lifestyle choices is key to preventing a heart attack. Here are some ways you can take in protecting your heart's health:
Maintain a healthy diet | Prioritise eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut down on foods containing saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. |
Exercise often | Try to target for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity every week. |
Manage stress | Medication, yoga, or deep breathing exercises are good stress-reducing techniques that you can practise to help manage stress. |
Avoid smoking | Your overall health can be improved once you quit smoking. Most importantly, your risk of heart disease can be reduced as well. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Heart Attack
1. What are the most common risk factors for a heart attack?
The most common risk factors for a heart attack are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease.
2. Can there be no warning symptoms before a heart attack happens?
Yes, known as a “silent heart attack”, some people may have a heart attack without showing any obvious signs.
3. How can I reduce my risk of a heart attack?
You can reduce your risk by making some healthy lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising often, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and having frequent health check-ups.
4. What should I do if I have heart attack symptoms?
You should seek medical attention right away. Time is precious, and early detection and treatment can save your life.
Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Sometimes dubbed as the “silent killers”, heart attacks are medical emergencies that are life-threatening and can be fatal to anyone— hence why prompt medical attention is necessary. Early identification of a heart attack's warning symptoms and addressing it swiftly can help save a life. If you are at risk of heart disease or have had symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in other areas of your body, do seek professional medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent severe complications and increase your chances of a full recovery.
If you have questions and worries about your heart health, contact us to schedule an appointment at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital to schedule a heart screening or consultation with the team of expert heart specialists at Gleneagles Hospitals to begin your journey towards better heart health today. You may also book an appointment by downloading the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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