Heart attacks have become increasingly common in recent years, and they remain the leading cause of death worldwide. The good news is that there are often warning signs and symptoms that appear before a heart attack, and recognizing these signs can help prevent a heart attack or reduce the damage caused by one.
Six Common Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. These symptoms can appear up to a month before a heart attack, and they include:
Shortness of breath: If your lungs aren’t getting enough oxygen, your heart won’t get the blood it needs to function properly.
Flu-like symptoms: These symptoms are common in people who are about to have a heart attack.
Chest pain: This is a classic symptom of a heart attack, and it’s essential to seek medical attention right away if you experience it.
Fatigue: If you’re feeling weak and tired all the time, it could be a sign of a heart attack.
Dizziness and cold sweats: Poor circulation can cause dizziness and cold sweats, and these symptoms can be a sign of a heart attack.
Persistent tiredness: If you’re still feeling tired and weak after resting or sleeping, it could be a sign of a heart attack.
What to Do If You Think Someone Is Having a Heart Attack
If someone is unconscious and you suspect they’re having a heart attack, call 911 right away. Check to see if the person is breathing and has a pulse, and start CPR if they’re not.
Causes of Heart Attacks
Heart attacks occur when one or more of the coronary arteries become blocked. This blockage can be caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, including cholesterol, which can narrow the arteries over time.
Risk Factors for Heart Attacks
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of having a heart attack. These include:
Age: Men and women over the age of 45 and 55 are more likely to have a heart attack.
Tobacco use: Smoking and long-term exposure to secondhand smoke can increase your risk of a heart attack.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the arteries that lead to your heart over time.
High cholesterol or triglyceride levels: High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can increase your risk of a heart attack.
Obesity: Obesity is linked to high blood cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Diabetes: Diabetes can increase your risk of a heart attack.
Metabolic syndrome: This syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease.
Family history: If your siblings, parents, or grandparents had heart attacks at a young age, you may be at higher risk.
Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise can help lower your risk of a heart attack.
Stress: Stress can cause you to react in ways that increase your risk of a heart attack.
Complications of Heart Attacks
Heart attacks can cause several complications, including:
Abnormal heartbeats: A heart attack can cause electrical “short circuits” that lead to abnormal heart rhythms.
Heart failure: A heart attack can cause so much damage to your heart tissue that the remaining heart muscle can’t pump enough blood out of your body.
Sudden cardiac arrest: A heart attack can cause a sudden loss of heart function, leading to death if not treated promptly.
Preventing Future Heart Attacks
If you’ve already had a heart attack, it’s essential to take steps to prevent another one. This includes taking medications as directed by your doctor, making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, managing stress, and controlling conditions that may contribute to a heart attack.
