|
FEATURED
|
|
12 Heart Attack Warning Signs ( courtecy;- medicine.com)
|
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the
leading cause of death in the U.S. – 1 in every 4 deaths is due to heart
disease.
Severe chest pain may be
an obvious sign something is wrong. But heart disease can be deadly because
many people don't recognize some early signs and symptoms and they don't seek
treatment until it may be too late.
Heart Disease Warning Signs
Heart symptoms
may not always be explicit so do not ignore any potential cardiac warning
signs. Some warning signs not to ignore include: shortness of breath,
heartburn, muscle soreness, painful hiccups, neck or upper back pain, or other
symptoms discussed in this slide show. People with known heart disease or
significant risk factors such as people over age 65, strong family history of
heart disease, obesity, smokers, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or
diabetes should pay extra attention to any possible cardiac symptoms.
Heart Disease Risk Factors
It is important
to pay attention to any symptoms that may indicate heart disease. Don't ignore
them or wait for them to go away – see your doctor for testing and diagnosis.
Many people mistake heart disease symptoms for heartburn or muscle soreness. If
you have any cardiac disease risk factors, including being male, over age 65,
have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, are obese, a smoker, diabetic, or
have a family history of heart disease you need to pay extra attention to any
potential heart disease symptoms.
1. Anxiety
One symptom of
an impending heart attack can be extreme anxiety. You may feel as if you are
having a panic attack and experience shortness of breath, palpitations, chest
pain, and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms go to an emergency room
right away.
2. Chest Discomfort
Chest pain is a
typical symptom of a heart attack. However, only about half of all women
experiencing a heart attack may have chest pain. In addition, chest pain can be
a result of other conditions that are not related to the heart.
When chest pain
is heart-related it is often centered under the breastbone, slightly to the
left of center. It can feel like extreme pressure on the chest, or just an
uncomfortable sensation of pressure, squeezing, or fullness. Women may
experience minor aches or even a burning sensation.
Any chest pain
should be brought to the attention of your doctor who will help diagnose the
cause.
3. Cough
In heart
failure, fluid may accumulate in the lungs, causing a persistent cough or
wheezing. Sometimes the cough may produce bloody phlegm. If you have a chronic
or worsening cough or wheezing that makes it hard to breathe or affects your
daily life, see your doctor.
4. Dizziness
Heart attacks
and heart rhythm abnormalities called arrhythmias can cause dizziness,
lightheadedness, and even fainting. Many different conditions can cause these
kinds of symptoms, so see a doctor to find out if heart disease is the cause of
your dizziness.
5. Fatigue
Fatigue is one of
those symptoms that can be attributed to many different medical conditions.
Sometimes women in particular to experience unusual fatigue during and in the
days prior to a heart attack. Heart failure can cause people to feel tired all
the time. When you are so fatigued it affects your daily function ion, it is
time to see a doctor.
6. Nausea or Lack of Appetite
Nausea,
indigestion, vomiting, or abdominal swelling can occur during a heart attack.
Sometimes the poor circulation due to a weak heart or blocked arteries can
cause these symptoms. This is common in women, and often gets worse with
activity and improves with rest. If you are experiencing nausea or lack of
appetite that follows this pattern, see your doctor.
7. Pain In Other Parts of the Body
While chest
pain is common in a heart attack, pain may occur in other areas of the body.
Many people experience heart attacks as pain that begins in the chest and
spreads to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen. Men may experience
pain in their left arm during a heart attack; women may experience pain in
either arm or between the shoulder blades. The pain may come and go and may be
mild or severe. If you experience pain similar to this, go to an emergency
department immediately. You may be experiencing a heart attack.
8. Rapid or Irregular Pulse
An occasional
"skipped" heartbeat may be no cause for concern. But if you have a
rapid or irregular heart rate this could be a symptom of a heart attack, heart
failure, or an arrhythmia. This rapid or irregular pulse may also be
accompanied by weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Seek medical
attention immediately – some arrhythmias can lead to stroke, heart failure, or
death without prompt medical intervention.
9. Shortness of Breath
During a heart
attack or heart failure, fluid may leak into the lungs, causing shortness of
breath. People may feel breathless even at rest. Shortness of breath can be due
to other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but it
can also be a sign of heart attack or heart failure.
10. Sweating
Breaking out
into a sudden sweat for no reason is actually a common symptom of a heart
attack. Sweating profusely when you don't have a fever and are not exerting
yourself or in a hot environment – especially if accompanied by other symptoms
such as lightheadedness, shortness of breath nausea, or chest pain – may be a
symptom of a heart attack.
11. Swelling
When the heart
is weakened it pumps blood less effectively, and this can lead to fluid
retention that results in swelling (edema) of the lower extremities or abdomen.
Heart failure can also cause sudden weight gain and loss of appetite.
12. Weakness
Severe and
unexplained weakness may be a sign of an impending heart attack. The heart is
unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Blood gets diverted to
the most critical organs such as the heart, lungs, and brain, and away from the
muscles.
12 Possible Heart Symptoms Never to Ignore -
Summary
If you notice
any of the symptoms discussed in this slide show, see your doctor or go to an
emergency department right away. If you have any risk factors for heart disease
it is especially important to pay attention to your body and get any symptoms
checked out by a doctor. Getting prompt medical attention may save your life!
Reviewed by Robert J. Bryg, MD on Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Am I Having a Heart
Attack? Symptoms of Heart Disease
This tool does not
provide medical advice.
মন্তব্যসমূহ
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন