According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Alarming recent trends, including the sudden cardiac deaths of young celebrities over the past three years, have brought attention to the seriousness of heart health—even among the younger population. (Source Data: https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases/#tab=tab_1)
Early recognition of symptoms can save lives. Many people mistake heart attack signs and delay critical treatment.
Here are 11 early warning signs one should not ignore :
1. Chest pain or discomfort (Angina):
- What it feels like: Pressure, tightness, squeezing, or burning in the chest.
- Key detail: It may come and go or last several minutes.
- Myth buster: Not all heart attacks result in severe pain; some can feel similar to mild indigestion.
2. Pain spreading to the arm, neck, or jaw:
- It starts in the chest and radiates to the left arm (but can affect the right arm or both).
- Jaw or neck pain without chest discomfort can still signal a heart attack, especially in women.
3. Shortness of breath:
- It can occur before chest pain or without any chest discomfort.
- Patients feel like they can't catch their breath, even at rest.
4. Unexplained fatigue:
- Sudden, extreme exhaustion (e.g., feeling too weak to climb stairs).
- It is more typical in women before a heart attack.
5. Cold sweats or clammy skin:
- Breaking out in a cold sweat without exertion is a red flag.
- Often described as a feeling of doom.
6. Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion:
- Especially in women, these symptoms are mistaken for stomach issues.
- If accompanied by other signs (chest pain, dizziness), seek help immediately.
7. Dizziness or lightheadedness:
- Sudden loss of balance or near-fainting could mean low blood flow to the brain.
- It happens in silent heart attacks (no chest pain).
8. Upper back or shoulder pain:
- Often described as a heavyweight between the shoulder blades.
- More frequent in women than men.
9. Irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia):
- Sudden palpitations, skipped beats, or racing heart without cause.
- It could indicate a blockage affecting heart rhythm.
10. Swelling in legs or feet (Edema)
- Fluid retention can signal heart failure, often preceding a heart attack.
11. Unusual anxiety or impending doom:
- Many survivors report an inexplicable sense of fear before an attack.
What to do if you experience these symptoms?
- Don't wait! Call emergency services immediately—every minute counts.
- Chew an aspirin (if not allergic) to help prevent blood clots.
- Stay calm and sit down—avoid exertion.
Who's at higher risk?
- Smokers, diabetics, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or family history.
- Women experience atypical symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and back pain.
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In a nutshell :
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