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A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. Recognising the warning signs is crucial for prompt intervention and can significantly improve outcomes.
Heart attacks can affect anyone, but individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a family history of heart disease should be particularly vigilant.
What Are the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack?
- Chest discomfort: This may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the centre of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes. It is often the most well-known heart attack symptom.
- Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting: These symptoms can occur unexpectedly, and while they may seem like less obvious indicators of a heart attack, they are common, especially in women.
- Jaw, neck, or back pain: Unexplained discomfort in these areas, especially if it comes on suddenly, can signal a heart attack. Many people are unaware that pain in these regions can be heart-related, especially in women.
- Discomfort or pain in the arms or shoulders: Pain radiating from the chest to the arms or shoulders can also indicate a heart attack, and it is one of the classic symptoms to be aware of.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, whether accompanied by chest pain or not, is another common symptom of a heart attack. This symptom can occur during rest or physical activity.
What Is The Difference in Symptoms for Men and Women?
While chest pain or discomfort is the most common heart attack symptom for both men and women, women are more likely to experience additional symptoms that are often less recognised as heart attack-related. These symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath without chest pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Back, neck, or jaw pain that may feel unusual or sudden in nature
Many women may dismiss these symptoms as being related to stress, indigestion, or the flu, which is why heart attacks in women can sometimes go untreated for longer than in men.
What Should You Do if You Suspect a Heart Attack?
Immediate action can save lives. If you or someone you know shows signs of a heart attack, follow these steps:
- Call for an ambulance: Call for emergency medical help immediately if you suspect a heart attack.
- Chew an aspirin: If not allergic, chewing an aspirin can help thin the blood and improve blood flow to the heart. This should only be done if emergency help is on the way.
- Stay calm and rest: Try to remain calm and stay still. Physical exertion can put more strain on the heart.
What Are the Complications of a Heart Attack?
If not treated promptly, a heart attack can lead to serious complications, including:
- Heart failure: Damage to the heart muscle can result in heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can occur after a heart attack, as a result of damage to the heart muscles.
- Cardiac arrest: In severe cases, a heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating.
How Can You Prevent a Heart Attack?
Preventing a heart attack involves making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some strategies:
- Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
- Manage stress: Practise stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Avoid smoking: Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common risk factors for a heart attack?
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of heart disease are common risk factors.
Can heart attacks occur without warning signs?
Yes, some individuals may experience a heart attack without any noticeable symptoms, known as a “silent heart attack.”
How can I reduce my risk of a heart attack?
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, manage stress, and have regular health check-ups.
What should I do if I have heart attack symptoms?
Seek medical help immediately. Time is crucial, and early intervention can save lives.
Book an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals
Heart attacks are life-threatening medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Recognising the warning signs early and acting promptly can be the difference between life and death. If you are at risk for heart disease or have experienced symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in other areas of your body, do seek professional medical care without delay. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications and improve your chances of a full recovery.
If you have concerns about your heart health, contact us to book an appointment at your nearest Pantai Hospital to schedule a heart screening or consultation with the team of expert heart specialists at Pantai Hospitals to begin your journey towards better heart health today.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
