Can We Recognize The Symptoms Of A Heart Attack?
Curiously, being one of the main causes of death in the world, many times the symptoms of a heart attack are not recognized and, therefore, the person is not treated in time. Knowing how to identify the symptoms to go to a doctor as soon as possible will be vital in survival and subsequent sequelae.
On the other hand, myocardial infarction is one of the main preventable causes of death due to its close relationship with lifestyles. Thus, we will review some risk factors related to cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms of a heart attack
Myocardial infarction, heart attack or heart attack, occurs when the arteries that supply this organ become clogged or blocked. This obstruction causes a lack of blood supply and prevents oxygen from reaching the myocardial cells.
The speed with which it is treated depends on the partial or total death of the myocardium, which will condition the subsequent consequences on the health of the person. Hence, one of the keys to surviving a heart attack and keeping its consequences as mild as possible is learning to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack.
1. Chest pain
The main symptom is chest pain. Patients describe this pain, as a tightness, as if there is a great weight on their chest. However, sometimes this pain is not so intense, and other times, it is not given the importance it has, attributing it to various causes, stress, anxiety, etc.
Also, chest pain is the most common symptom in men. While in women, acute pain in the upper body, neck, back or jaw is more common. This is one of the reasons why myocardial infarction is sometimes not diagnosed in females, as quickly as in males.
On the other hand, we are used to thinking of pain in the chest or left arm, as a synonym for heart attack. On the other hand, a pain in the back or neck can also be used to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack.
2. Severe shortness of breath
Sometimes chest pain is also accompanied by severe shortness of breath. Likewise, sudden (and inexplicable) fatigue is another of the heart attack symptoms most associated with women. However, it can be overlooked as it can be mild and linger for a few days.
3. Nausea
The nausea and vomiting are other symptoms of a heart attack. However, they occur more often in women , than in men. Remember that if there is nausea and vomiting, as well as other symptoms, it is very likely that the person is in need of immediate medical attention. It can be due to a heart attack or some other cause.
As we saw the symptoms of a heart attack, they vary according to sex and also according to each person. Usually they are almost never all present at the same time.
In many cases, as a heart attack begins, the person suffering from it feels dizzy, lightheaded, and asks to sit down. In many cases, symptoms come and go within a few minutes. This is one more reason why they are ignored as a sign that a heart attack is occurring.
Risk factors for a heart attack
Disregarding the intense pain in the chest, the rest of the symptoms are not so easy to associate with a myocardial infarction:
- Tiredness.
- Dizziness and nausea
- Jaw pain
- Difficulty breathing.
- Discomfort or pain in the arms.
- Pain in the neck or back
For this reason, it is also important to consider whether the person has any of the risk factors that predispose to a heart attack. Among these risk factors are: atherosclerosis or other coronary diseases, obesity, and smoking. In addition, it must be taken into account, if the person is going through a period of high stress level.
Another key factor to consider is age. The risk of suffering a heart attack, soars after 40 years in men, and 50 years in the case of women. Therefore, the prevention of cardiovascular diseases is based on reducing avoidable risk factors through frequent physical activity, a balanced diet low in fat and salt, as well as eliminating bad habits such as smoking.
Conclution
In case you have been diagnosed with a heart disease or condition that includes a risk of heart attack, try to follow the instructions of your doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Of course, knowing how to recognize the symptoms of a heart attack will also be helpful.
