Let’s get our facts about heart disease clear. A heart attack doesn’t just happen to older people; one can get it at an age as early as 25. Heart issues can be sudden or there may be cases which can give you signals about your heart’s health. Other than knowing your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, be on the lookout for one or more of these potential troubles.
- Chest pain or soreness: Not everyone gets a heart attack in Bollywood style; clutching your chest and dropping to the floor. Intense pressure and heaviness in your chest could be another sign of underlying cardiovascular disease. As many would relate the sharp pain to the heart attack, however, a heart attack could also be marked by subtle pain in the chest dispersing to shoulder, arm, neck and jaw. Call 911 immediately if you or someone experiences discomfort in the chest even if it is not that sharp.
- Shortness of breath: Breathing and functioning of the heart are very closely related. The heart pumps blood throughout the body and also gets oxygen from the lungs. If your heart is unable to pump blood, which happens during a heart attack, you’ll not be able to breathe properly. If you notice any major change in your breathing, it is advised to consult your doctor and get your heart screened.
- Lightheadedness: Dizziness or lightheadedness is a common symptom described by women who have suffered from a heart attack. Feeling dizzy could be a result of a blockage in your heart or valve-related issues. It is a serious concern if it is accompanied by palpitation (irregular heartbeats) and should not be ignored.
- Fatigue or sleepiness: As reported by some of the heart attack sufferers, they felt extremely tired during the week before the occurrence of a heart attack. Lack of sleep or irregular sleeping patterns are indirectly linked to many cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, if you feel tired all the time and have irregular sleeping patterns, it’s better to find out the real cause behind it.
- Symptoms like that of Flu: A lot of people complain of having indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues before getting a heart attack. Moreover, feeling nauseated, experiencing cold for a long time or sweating too much can signal insufficient blood flow. Leaving anything to chance is not a good thing. Therefore, it is better to get tested at the right and at regular intervals. It’s the best way to know about inner health.
