A heart attack, contrary to what many people think, doesn’t always result in immediate death. You can have symptoms for days or even weeks; heart attacks are also of many types. Some attacks are pretty severe, and some may be mild. In any case, any problem with the heart is something that needs to be taken care of immediately. Watch out for these 10 signs of heart attack:
1. Heart Burn, Nausea and Digestive Issues
When the opening of the oesophagus opens, you can get heart burn, and experience sharp pain in the chest pain, stomach ache, and even nausea. You’re more likely to get heart burn if you lie down immediately after a meal; and the more frequently the episodes of heart burn, the higher your risk of getting a heart attack. While heart burn is not a heart attack as such, it’s advisable to seek medical attention if you experience it a few times.
2. Pain in your Left side
One of the classic signs of heart attacks, it is unfortunately one of the most ignored, as it is often mistaken for simple muscular pain. Usually, it starts in the arm, but you could experience it down your whole left body. If someone complains of continuous pain in the left arm or left side of the body, it could be a warning of an impending heart attack, and medical help should be sought urgently.
3. Feeling Exhausted Quickly
Getting tired and feeling out of breath when doing routine activities like walking, climbing stairs, and so on, could be an indication that you are at risk for a heart attack. If you experience unnatural fatigue, consult a physician, and get a thorough analysis of the everyday fatigue you experience, and the period you experience it for. Your health advisors can help you tackle the problem and also help you improve overall health.
4. Chronic, non-stop Coughing
In persons who already have heart problems, this is very common, and they need to seek medical advice for it. They may cough incessantly, and even cough up blood. If the coughing is caused by some heart problems, they are likely to have pinkish white mucus, as a result of blood leaking in the lungs. This can be treated with medicines, so do not delay consulting your doctor.
5. Excessive Sweating
True, sweating is a normal process of the body, especially after exertion or in hot weather. However, if a person starts sweating for no apparent reason – breaking into cold sweats – frequently, it could indicate impaired heart function, and immediate medical help should be sought to avoid bigger problems.
6. Pain in the Throat and/or jaw
If you have a sinus infection, or tooth decay, you’re bound to have some pain in the jaw; normally, it does not have any other implications. However, if the pain starts from the centre of your chest and makes its way up into your throat, right up into your jaw – well, that could well indicate that you’re going to have a heart attack soon, and you should immediately rush to emergency medical care.
7. Dizziness
No, you don’t have to run to your doctor every time you feel dizzy; there are several causes of dizziness – one drink too many, motion or sea sickness, extreme emotional distress, and so on. But if you feel dizzy when you feel you shouldn’t, then you need to get to a doctor. Sometimes the dizziness brings chest pain and shortness of breath along with it; these are more or less certain indications of possible heart attacks, and you must see a doctor right away.
8. Swollen Feet and Legs
If a person has abnormal swelling of the legs and feet, it is usually a sign of an impending heart attack. The bloating usually occurs when the heart is unable to supply the requisite blood to the lower body. It also affects the kidneys and your urinary bladder, make it difficult for you to move about, and restrict you to bed rest.
9. Rapid Heart Beat
The best sign of a healthy ticker is a healthy tick-tock; that is to say, a steady heart beat. If your heart beat is abnormally fast it could be a symptom of a potential heart attack. It doesn’t necessarily have to be, but it’s safe to get your heartbeat checked regularly.
10. Persistent loud snoring
Yes, that annoying snore can actually be an indicator of heart attack! Excessive and persistent loud snoring could mean that you suffer from cardiovascular disease. If you notice yourself or a loved one with such a snore, medical advice is indicated.
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