Listen to Your Body: 8 Hidden Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Our health is the most important thing, and heart attacks are something we should take seriously. 1 out of 4 deaths in the United States is caused by heart attacks.
Thanks to broader knowledge and research, the number of fatal cases has decreased over the past 10 years. But there is still work to be done.
It is estimated that half of the people who suffered a heart attack received early warning signs. They just didn’t know how to recognize them.
1. Fatigue
We all feel tired at some point, that’s normal. But if you’re so tired that activities like shopping become exhausting, it may be time to get your health checked.
Loss of strength can occur up to a month before a heart attack, according to a study published in Circulation.
If you suddenly run out of breath, or have no energy, ask your doctor for an ECG (electrocardiogram).
2. Chest Pain or Pressure
One of the most common signs of a heart attack is sharp pain in the chest region.
Chest pain can also cause other pains in your body. Sometimes the pain occurs in your arm (usually the left armpit or arm), but you may also feel pressure in your throat, neck, jaw, back, or stomach. The pain typically lasts 15 minutes.
3. Breathing Difficulties
Before a heart attack occurs, it is normal to experience breathing difficulties. This often happens because the lungs are not receiving enough blood, causing the veins to get blocked.
If you suddenly have difficulty breathing, you should immediately contact your doctor.
4. Exhaustion
If you feel weak and exhausted, it may be because your muscles are not receiving enough blood. You should be especially attentive to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) as stress can trigger a heart attack.
5. Dizziness and Cold Sweat
Excessive sweating can be the first sign of a heart attack. If you experience this syndrome, contact a doctor.
Dizziness can be caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
6. Flu-Like Symptoms
Feeling a bit under the weather with a cold or fever? Don’t panic, often it’s just a cold.
In some cases, however, these symptoms may occur a month before a heart attack. Especially if you experience many of the above symptoms.
It is important to remember that the symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person, especially between men and women.
7. Hair Loss
Another sign of a heart attack is hair loss. This usually occurs in men over 50, but women can also experience it.
It is due to impaired blood circulation in the brain, a doctor tells ABC News.
8. Irregular Heartbeat
Arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat or unusually high heart rate, can occur unexpectedly and last for 1 to 2 minutes. If it does not return to its normal pace, you may feel dizzy or exhausted. If this happens, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, as reported by the American Heart Association.
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