Heart attack is one of the prevalent causes of death worldwide. According to WHO, 85% of the 17.9 million cardiovascular disease-related deaths were due to heart attacks and stroke. Although the symptoms of a heart attack may not be noticed easily or may be confused with other conditions, a heart attack can give irreversible damage and quickly becomes a life-threatening problem if it builds up once.

 

If the symptoms are not detected earlier and the condition is left untreated, it can lead to death. Unfortunately, many people often overlook the systems of dangerous conditions like heart attacks by associating them with minor problems. In this blog, we will look at symptoms of heart attack that you should never ignore if you want to live a healthy life. But first let’s take a look at the causes of heart attack.

What Causes a Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to heart muscles is stopped due to the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. Plaque is formed when cholesterols and fats build up in the arteries and block the passage of blood. Once the flow of blood to heart muscles is stopped, the cells start to die because they are deprived of food and oxygen.

Common Symptoms of Heart Attack

Pain or Discomfort In the Chest

This is one of the most common signs of a heart attack. While pain in the chest may also arise due to indigestion and other problems, during a heart attack, a person may feel pain in the centre of the chest. Sometimes, the pain spreads to the arms, back, and neck, and sometimes there may be pain in the stomach area and that’s the reason why it is confused with indigestion. 

 

Chest pain due to a heart attack can be more intense and may last longer than normal pain. Some people may feel like a heavy stone is placed on their chest, while some may notice a squeezing, or pressure-intensive pain which may last for a few minutes or occur frequently in short lapses. If these symptoms are carefully noticed, the pain from a heart attack can be distinguished from normal pain.

 

Also Read: What Is The Cause Of Congestive Heart Failure?

Nausea and Indigestion

During a heart attack, a person may get a feeling of nausea because of improper blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. Sometimes vomiting may also occur followed by indigestion and a burning sensation in the stomach. Feeling dizzy or light-headed accompanied by sweating may also indicate a possibility of a heart attack. 

Dizziness and Weakness

When blood supply is reduced, dizziness can occur. Sometimes, weakness can be also experienced and a person may feel exhausted and may be unable to perform a minor task. In order to distinguish the usual feelings of nausea and dizziness from those of a heart attack, you should make sure you eat healthily, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. If you feel dizzy or nauseous despite following a healthy routine, you should get an EKG at the earliest.

Difficulty In Breathing

People having a heart attack can find it difficult to breathe while performing small tasks or even while resting. Shortness of breath can be experienced and it may be followed by chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. 

 

If you or your loved ones are noticing any symptoms or suffering from any heart-related issues, getting touch with the medical experts at The Professionals and contact us right away.