How to recognize an impending heart attack? warning signs, unusual symptoms

Heart attack – how does it manifest itself?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical intervention.

However, to understand when a heart attack may be imminent, it is worth knowing its typical symptoms. The most common of them are:

• Pain or tightness in the chest that may radiate to the arm, neck, jaw or back.
• Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Violent sweating.
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness.

It is worth noting that symptoms may vary depending on the patient’s gender and age. Some people may experience atypical heart attacks, so it is important to be aware of atypical symptoms as well.

Unusual symptoms of a heart attack

Although most heart attack cases present with traditional symptoms, there are unusual symptoms that may indicate an impending heart attack. Some of them are:

• Pain in the lower abdomen or back, often confused with stomach problems or back pain.
• Feeling of intense fatigue that does not go away despite rest.
• Losing consciousness or fainting for no apparent reason.
• Unusual mental symptoms, such as confusion, anxiety or fear of death.
• Unusual symptoms in older people, such as sudden weakness, disorientation or confusion.

Remember that even if you experience unusual symptoms, do not ignore them. It is worth consulting your doctor or calling the emergency number if you suspect a heart attack.

Suspected heart attack – what to do?

If you think you may be having a heart attack or someone in your presence is showing symptoms of a heart attack, don’t wait. Immediate action can save a life. Here’s what to do:

1. Call the emergency number (112 or 911) and inform the operator about a suspected heart attack.
2. Lie down or have the injured person lie down in a quiet place, avoiding physical exertion.
3. Do not give any medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
4. If you are trained in first aid, consider starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you lose consciousness or are not breathing.
5. Wait for the ambulance to arrive and provide information to the medics.

Your suggestions

To reduce the risk of a heart attack, it is worth taking care of your heart health every day. Here are some suggestions that may help:

• Check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly.
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean meat.
• Do regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling.
• Limit your alcohol intake and stop smoking.
• Manage stress and get enough sleep.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of heart attack and heart health, you may also want to check out the following articles:

• “How to prevent a heart attack – effective prevention methods”
• “Cardiac diet – what products are worth eating to protect the heart?”
• “Exercises for a healthy heart – the best training for the heart and circulatory system”

Knowing about heart attack and preventive measures can help you maintain heart health and avoid the risks associated with the disease.

Remember that a heart attack is a condition that requires immediate response. By knowing the symptoms and what to do if a heart attack is suspected, we can act effectively and help ourselves or others. Don’t hesitate to respond to unusual symptoms and don’t wait to get help – time is of the essence in the event of a heart attack.