5 Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. In 2019, it claimed 17.9 million lives. Heart attacks and strokes were responsible for most of these deaths. Knowing the early warning signs can save lives. Getting medical help quickly is very important.
What is a Heart Attack?
Heart attacks might seem to happen suddenly. But many people have symptoms days or even months before. Recognizing these signs can save lives. Here are five warning signs of a heart attack that can appear a month before it happens.
Chest Discomfort
Chest pain is a key symptom of a heart attack. But before a heart attack, people often feel milder chest discomfort or pressure. It may feel like something is squeezing your chest or a heavy weight on it. This discomfort can come and go. It might not always be a sharp pain. Some people describe it as something sitting on their chest. This discomfort can also spread to the arms, jaw, neck, or back.
Unusual Tiredness
Feeling very tired without a clear reason is a common early warning sign of a heart attack, especially in women. If you feel unusually tired even after resting well, it could be a warning sign. This tiredness might be because less blood is flowing to the heart, making it work harder. If you feel drained doing everyday tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, see a doctor.
Trouble Breathing
Having trouble breathing, even when resting or doing light activities, can be an early warning sign of a heart attack. People might find it hard to breathe because the heart can’t pump blood well. This symptom can appear weeks before a heart attack. Don’t ignore it, especially if it’s new or getting worse.
Heart Palpitations
People might feel their heart racing or notice an unusual heartbeat. These irregular, rapid, or strong heartbeats can feel like fluttering, pounding, or skipped beats in the chest. Palpitations happen as the heart works harder to make up for reduced blood flow or oxygen. If this happens with dizziness, fainting, trouble breathing, or chest pain, it could be a sign of an upcoming heart attack.
Sleep Problems
Another important symptom is sleep problems. This could be trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling tired. These should be seen as warning signs. Waking up gasping for air, having night sweats, or persistent insomnia along with other symptoms like tiredness or palpitations is a warning sign.
When to See a Doctor
Time is crucial. Waiting to see what happens could cost you or your loved ones their lives. Act fast. If you have these symptoms, don’t wait more than a few minutes to get help.
