Every year, more than 750,000 Americans suffer heart attacks. Unfortunately, most people don’t know the early warning signs of these attacks. As such, it catches them unaware or unable to get medical help on time.
Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, as doctors call them, occur when the heart muscles can’t get oxygen-rich blood. Lack of oxygen happens when something blocks blood flow through the coronary arteries. Blood clots are usually responsible for causing the blockages.
The common causes of heart attacks include:
- Poor diet
- Tobacco smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Being overweight or obese
- Family history of heart attacks
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
Since we can’t know what is going on inside us, we need to figure out the early warning signs of heart trouble. Keep reading to learn more.
Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
In some instances, medical tests fail to spot signs of heart disease, especially in women. Yet, it is possible for you to determine the likelihood of having a heart attack. You can see symptoms even a month in advance.
The 8 early warning signs of a heart attack include:
1. Dizziness
Light-headedness, wooziness, and lack of balance may happen due to low or high blood pressure. It can be a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm called arrhythmia. This is a medical emergency. It may be the prelude to a heart attack.
Dizziness may also be a sign of internal bleeding. This hemorrhaging can lead to organ failure from insufficient blood in the body.
2. Cold Sweats
Cold sweats are situations of experiencing abnormal sweating and cold chills. They occur regardless of surrounding temperatures. Cold sweats are a sign of cardiogenic shock, low blood pressure, and lack of oxygen.
3. Fainting Spells
Fainting episodes can also be a sign of a heart attack risk. If you faint several times, you might need to go for a blood clot test. It could mean something is blocking oxygenated blood from reaching the brain.
4. Stomach Problems
Issues of nausea, indigestion, and loss of appetite can signal heart problems. There could be a heartburn-like pain in the upper abdominal area as well. There may also be belching episodes and vomiting due to severe nausea.
5. Shortness of Breath
If you are having trouble breathing, it can signal a lung or heart condition. It could show your heart is failing, dysfunctional, or has a problem.
6. Arm Pain and Back Pain
Chest pain can spread to the arms and to the middle of the shoulder blades. Typically, arm pain is in the left arm. If it occurs alongside chest pain and cold sweats, then it is a sign of a potential heart attack.
7. Chest Pain or Discomfort
Shortness of breath can occur alongside chest pain. You may feel recurring pain or discomfort in the central part of your chest. The discomfort can manifest as a feeling of pressure in the chest area.
8. Unusual Fatigue and Muscle Weakness
Feelings of malaise or unusual fatigue are also early warning signs of a heart attack. It could be the heart is overworking to provide you with energy.
Men may feel weak in their muscles. Women may feel it in their arms.
Thus, it is important to take care of your heart. It will prevent cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death.
The symptoms above will help you spot signs that something could be wrong with your heart. Seek medical help as soon as possible.
