8 Warning Signs Your Body Gives You Before a Heart Attac

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By: Woman’s Day Staff | Woman’s Day

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, affecting both men and women. However, the signs of an impending heart attack are not always as dramatic as they might appear in movies. In fact, two-thirds of women experience less typical symptoms, making it challenging to identify the warning signs. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking medical attention promptly can be the difference between life and death. Let’s explore the eight warning signs your body may give you before a heart attack.

 

1. Uncomfortable Pressure

The American Heart Association lists “uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest” as the primary symptom of a heart attack. This sensation might come and go in waves, lasting more than a few minutes at a time. If you experience such discomfort, especially coupled with other symptoms, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

 

2. Pain in Other Areas of the Body

Contrary to common belief, heart attack pain can manifest in locations other than the chest. The pain may radiate to the back, shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw. A blocked artery in the heart can trigger nerve signals that manifest as pain in various parts of the body, making it important not to overlook these atypical locations.

 

3. Dizziness

Feeling dizzy can have several causes, such as dehydration or standing up too fast. However, if you experience dizziness or lightheadedness in conjunction with chest pain and shortness of breath, it might indicate a decrease in blood volume and a drop in blood pressure, which could be warning signs of an impending heart attack.

 

4. Fatigue

Feeling tired after a busy day is normal, but persistent fatigue could be a sign of an approaching heart attack, particularly in women. Pay attention to prolonged feelings of exhaustion, as this symptom might manifest even a month before an actual heart attack occurs.

 

5. Nausea or Indigestion

Gastric symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or belching may develop when the heart and other body areas aren’t receiving enough blood supply. Unfortunately, these symptoms can be easily mistaken for acid reflux or heartburn. Therefore, it’s crucial to be vigilant, especially if you experience additional heart attack warning signs.

 

6. Sweating

Experiencing a cold sweat or excessive perspiration, unrelated to menopause or exercise, could be an indicator of an impending heart attack. During a heart attack, the body’s nervous system activates a “fight or flight” response, triggering sweating as a survival mechanism.

 

7. Heart Palpitations

Inadequate blood supply to the heart can cause it to become irritable, leading to the sensation of heart palpitations. If you experience irregular or pounding heartbeats, it’s essential to contact your doctor promptly for evaluation and appropriate management.

 

8. Shortness of Breath

Struggling to perform tasks that were once easy, such as climbing stairs, might indicate an issue with your heart. Although shortness of breath could be caused by various factors, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as it might be a warning sign that your heart is at risk.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the warning signs your body gives you before a heart attack can be life-saving. Heart attacks don’t always present themselves in the typical Hollywood-style fashion, particularly in women. By recognizing these signs early on and seeking medical attention promptly, you can significantly improve your chances of survival and recovery.

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48 Comments

  1. I have a rare genetic heart disease called homostitura. Besides warnings, inflammation. Etc. Has to be detected by blood testing. Medication, cystadane. It’s about the med blocking or breaking proteins from creating blood clots. Cystadane is a powder that has to be taken 2xa day. Everyday. Cannot skip. It is sent to me from a pharmacy in Tennessee, federal express, once a month. This is a rare heart disease.

  2. Informative in lieu of my personal circumstance being admitted for a possible heart attack which proved not to be the case still a little confusing to me but I’ve accepted that and my medicine seem to be working well keeping my blood pressure under control

  3. Here’s the deal I have always had a very strong heart stayed healthy the majority of my life I had a tare behind my belly button a hernia this was ignored 7 years ago by a doctor this is the monster that created all my medical issue that caused the prostate issue the prostate cancer and pulmonary Embolism blood clots nearly a dozen quarter dollar size clots they pulled out of my lungs..as I volunteered for the new Viper Catheter System procedure I am the fourth human to under go the procedure..with everything in definition pointing at the prostate issue cancer and hernia behind the belly button is the monster that’s been pinching off blood flow creating many health issue like my prostate cancer my prostate being 3 x times the normal size pinching off blood flow..and my hernia behind the belly button tare ..these two issue need to be repaired at once. The very monster of my medical problem Two step percedure!! scope scape out the prostate cancer issue and repair the hernia resemble the hernia behind the belly button and belly button tare..and I will be in my way to a full recovery..I do my home work and I know myself and my body ..I need help to get this done asap …with Some of America s best in this field to get this job done witch is in and out surgery.. this is Travis Dean TDK

  4. I HAVE GOT A HEART MURMUR DOES THAT I WILL WILL HAVE A HEART ATTACK IN THE THE NEAR FUTURE OR NOT AND IAM TYPE 2 DIABETES AS WELL AND I HAVE GOT EPILEPSY AND COPD AND THROMBOSIS ATHRITIS.?

  5. I had the experience of a stroke at the age of 30 yrs old. Going through that was like turning off a tv. I thought my life was over right there and then.If not for a doctor that knew the symptoms I would not be here today. My life flashed before my eyes and I didn’t think I would come out of it. Everything a person goes through having a stroke I went through it.Im grateful that I can see each day as it comes. Never take life for granted.

  6. Thank you for the information,I have heart attacks periodically I pray and I know the signs,but my husband passed March 29th we were raising our grandson from birth to 6years old,I’m all he has I just have to take care of myself,until I’m GONE

  7. Multumesc!! Este foarte important pentru mine….am avut multe cazuri in familie , și eu un istoric legat de probleme cardiace. Va trebui să traduc textul pentru a intelege toate detaliile!!

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