Causes of heart attacks
According to Dr. Arumit Palit, a cardiologist at Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi (India), identifying these symptoms as early as possible will help timely treatment and avoid serious consequences.
A heart attack occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries, causing them to narrow and reduce blood flow to the heart. This is a phenomenon called "arterial fibrosis". In addition, plaque buildup can also form a blood clot, completely blocking the blood flow into the heart and causing a heart attack. "When blood flow to the heart is stopped for a long time, the heart muscle will be deficient in oxygen, leading to permanent damage to the heart muscle," Dr. Arumit Palit shared.
The extent of damage depends on how long the blood circulation is stopped and the size of the affected heart area. Therefore, early identification of signs and timely treatment are very important.
Signs of a heart attack to watch out for
According to Dr. Palit, a heart attack does not always come suddenly, but warning symptoms can appear first. Here are the signs you need to pay attention to:
Chest pain or discomfort: Feeling of throbbing or pain in the chest, especially when trying, can be the first sign of a heart attack.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, feeling unable to breathe normally, is a common symptom accompanied by a heart attack.
sweating: Unusual sweating, especially when not active, can be a sign of a heart attack.
Unusual fatigue: Feeling exhausted without a clear cause, even lasting for a few days, can be a sign of cardiovascular disease.
Nausea and vomiting: Some people with heart attacks may feel nauseous or vomit, which is especially common in women.
Dizziness or lightheadedness: Some people with heart attacks may feel suddenly dizzy, even faint.
Back, shoulder and jaw pain: Back, shoulder or jaw pain, especially on the left side, can be a sign of an impending heart attack.
Dr. Palit also notes that people with diabetes may not feel breast pain, even though they may experience severe clogged blood vessels due to peripheral neuropathy. This makes detecting a heart attack in people with diabetes even more difficult.
Early identification of heart attack symptoms can help save a person's life and avoid serious consequences. Always be vigilant and take care of your health and that of your loved ones to have a healthy heart.
