6 signs of heart attack a month before
Heart attack is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. While we often associate heart attacks with sudden and severe chest pain, the truth is that many heart attacks can be preceded by warning signs and symptoms that may appear weeks or even a month before the actual event. These early warning signs are often overlooked or mistaken for other less serious conditions, leading to delayed treatment and potentially fatal consequences.
The main cause of death worldwide for both men and women continues to be heart disease. Heart attacks come with a variety of symptoms that are sometimes mistaken for other illnesses, including nausea, heartburn, and fatigue.
Not all cardiac conditions have obvious warning symptoms. However, being aware of the warning signs of a heart attack and getting help quickly might mean the difference between life and death.
Here are the indicators to watch out for that could manifest a month before a heart attack.
Chest Discomfort
Chest discomfort is one of the most common warning signs of a heart attack that may appear weeks or even a month before the actual event. This discomfort can take many different forms, including tightness, pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest area. Some people describe it as a burning sensation or even as indigestion. The discomfort may come and go, or it may last for several minutes or longer.
It is important to note that not all chest discomfort is a sign of a heart attack. However, if you experience chest discomfort that is new, different, or unusual for you, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Even if you are not sure if it is a heart attack, it is better to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a healthcare professional.
The chest discomfort associated with a heart attack is usually caused by a blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This can lead to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, causing it to malfunction or even die if not treated promptly.
In addition to chest discomfort, other signs of a heart attack may include shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, and pain or discomfort in other parts of the upper body, such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not wait to seek medical attention. Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to a heart attack.
Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another common warning sign of a heart attack that may occur in the weeks leading up to the event. It is important to note that shortness of breath can also be a symptom of many other health conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, if you experience shortness of breath that is new or different for you, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
Shortness of breath can feel like you are not getting enough air, or like you are working harder than usual to breathe. You may also feel like you can't catch your breath or like you need to take deeper breaths than normal. This symptom can occur at rest, during physical activity, or even while lying down.
Shortness of breath during a heart attack is usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the lungs. This can occur when the heart is not able to pump effectively due to a blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries. The lack of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle can lead to a backup of fluid in the lungs, causing shortness of breath.
If you experience shortness of breath, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest discomfort or sweating, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Fatigue
Seventy percent of women experience fatigue, and if it is not a regular occurrence for you, it may be one of the primary signs of an imminent heart attack.
Excessive exhaustion, a lack of physical and mental motivation, and extreme tiredness are all terms used to describe fatigue, which gets worse by the end of the day.
Simple actions like taking a shower or making a bed may become laborious as a result.
Extreme exhaustion or unexplained weakness may be an indication of heart disease, especially in women. For a few days, these symptoms could linger.
Sweating
Breaking out in a cold sweat or perspiring excessively could be signs of a heart attack unless you’re going through menopause or have just exercised.
Your nervous system triggers a “fight or flight” response during a heart attack, putting you in survival mode and possibly causing you to start sweating.
It is described as having flu-like symptoms, clammy skin, or excessive perspiration that happens regardless of the outside temperature or level of physical activity. The sheets may be damp in the morning since nighttime sweating seems to be more intense.
If you have this along with any other heart attack symptoms, head straight to a cardiac hospital. You can find MMI Hospital near you, the best cardiac hospital in Karachi.
Nausea and Dizziness
Nausea and dizziness are two common symptoms that can occur in the weeks leading up to a heart attack. These symptoms can be caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, which can be a result of reduced blood flow to the heart.
Nausea can be described as a feeling of unease or discomfort in the stomach that may be accompanied by a sensation of wanting to vomit. Dizziness can be described as feeling lightheaded or unsteady, and may be accompanied by a sensation of spinning or a feeling that the room is spinning.
You can become lightheaded for a variety of reasons, including dehydration, skipping lunch, and standing up too quickly. However, fainting or dizziness mixed with chest pain and shortness of breath may indicate a decline in blood volume and blood pressure, which indicates a heart attack may be imminent.
Contact a cardiologist doctor right away. You can find the best cardiologist in Karachi at Memon Medical Institute Hospital. Contact us to book your appointment now if you experience any of the mentioned symptoms.
