A heart attack is a medical emergency and can strike at any time. It’s vital to be aware of the early warning signs of heart disease so you can take action before it’s too late
Heart attacks are one of the biggest killers in the UK and heart disease can often develop slowly over years.
But timing is key when someone suffers a heart attack so here are the early warning signs everyone needs to know – and what they should do immediately when they suffer any of these symptoms. Cholesterol-containing deposits, known as plaques, can build up in the artery walls, limiting the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This can cause the heart to struggle to receive the oxygen, blood and nutrients it needs.
A key warning sign that you’ve developed heart disease putting you at risk of a heart attack is chest pain. This is referred to as angina, which happens when the heart isn’t getting enough blood. Angina typically occurs on the middle or left side of the chest, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chest pain is often triggered by physical or emotional stress, reports the Express.
The pain usually subsides on its own minutes after the stressor has disappeared. For example, if you’re walking and feel pressure or tightness in your chest, the pain will likely disappear after you stand still for a few minutes. Some people have described angina as a “sharp” and “brief” pain in the neck, arm, or back. “A complete blockage [of blood supply to the heart] can cause a heart attack,” the Mayo Clinic has warned.
Heart disease can take decades to develop, so you may not realise you have a problem until there is a significant blockage to the heart muscle. Another key sign that you’re at high risk of a heart attack is if you start to experience shortness of breath. “If your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs, you may develop shortness of breath or extreme fatigue with activity,” the Mayo Clinic explained.
Signs of a heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Pain in other parts of the body
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling sick or being sick
- An overwhelming sense of anxiety
- Coughing or wheezing
If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, don’t hesitate to dial 999 for an ambulance. The Mayo Clinic has highlighted that artery damage can start as early as childhood. This damage can be caused by:
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Diabetes or insulin resistance
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
Factors contributing to this damage include:. “Breathing in secondhand smoke also increases a person’s risk of coronary artery disease,” the Mayo Clinic warned. Unmanaged stress may further harm your arteries. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial in preventing a heart attack, regardless of whether you have heart disease. It’s never too late to adopt healthier habits; changes can be made at any moment. Key steps for heart attack prevention include:
- Being a non-smoker
- Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
- Be physically active
- Eat a low-fat, low-salt diet
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Be a healthy weight
- Reduce and manage stress