Recognizing the Symptoms of a Heart Attack Can Save a Person’s Life

A heart attack is not always sudden with no signs, yet a lot of people misinterpret its first symptoms to be something less serious. Gradually the condition can escalate from a slight discomfort to a medical emergency. Actually, the truth is, if a person could identify the symptoms very early and take immediate action, a life can be saved. Every minute of waiting prolongs the risk of the heart being damaged in a non-reversible manner. Knowing and reacting in time can be the cause of the difference between survival and catastrophe.

In this  blog, we will discuss a few of  the early symptoms of a heart attack, the explanation of the body process and the learning of how a quick reaction may save a life.

Understanding What Happens During a Heart Attack

A heart attack is a myocardial infarction, which is the result of a complete or partial obstruction of the blood supply to the heart muscle. The most common cause is the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances that have been deposited inside the coronary arteries that’s how a plaque is formed. When the plaque breaks, a blood clot is created, which stops the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Without oxygen, the affected heart tissue dies in a few minutes. The time during which the blockage can be safely left untreated is inversely proportional to the size of the affected area. Thus, in half an hour the damage will be twice as big. Quick medical action whether through the use of drugs, angioplasty or surgery, almost totally restores the flow of blood and thus keeps alive the chances of survival and recuperation. 

Recognizing the Early Symptoms

Not all heart attacks begin with a loud bang of extreme chest pain, as usually thought. A lot of people, for instance, women, the elderly and diabetics, encounter small or strange symptoms that they do not pay much attention to. It is vital to identify these signs to get help on time

Common Symptoms to Watch For

• Chest discomfort or pressure – A feeling of heaviness, tightness or burning at the middle of the chest that can last for a few minutes or go away and come back.
• Pain extending to different parts of the body– The pain that starts to spread to the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach. As the left side is usually affected, most of the times these areas are where the pain is felt.
• Shortness of breath – Trouble breathing even when lying down, and at times a feeling of chest pressure may be there as well.
• Cold sweats or nausea – Sudden sweating, vomiting, and dizziness are the most common symptoms among those who have a heart attack.
• Unusual fatigue – Continuous weakness, particularly in the case of women, may be a very early symptom that is gone non-stop days or weeks before a fatal cardiac event.

Silent Symptoms

For a few people, especially diabetics, heart attacks may be developed silently without the occurrence of severe pain called a “silent myocardial infarction.” Symptoms such as dizziness, indigestion or mild chest discomfort ought not to be disregarded. Unbeknownst to you, quite a few of those subtle symptoms may be an indication of heart trouble.

What to Do in Case of a Heart Attack

If you think that you or someone that is near you is having a heart attack, don’t waste time as every second counts.

• Make a call to emergency medical services without delay. Do not take the risk of driving yourself to the hospital.
• Make the person relax and keep him/her in the upright position. Lower the load on the heart by taking rest in an easy position.
• If aspirin is recommended, give it to the person. Grinding a tablet can help in lessening the formation of blood clots that support the period until medical help comes.
• Do not give anything to eat or drink. Concentrate on keeping the airway and breathing stable.

Rapid action and treatment on time can decrease the chance of getting secondary problems like heart failure, arrhythmias or cardiac arrest.

Risk Factors You Shouldn’t Overlook

The unfortunate event of a cardiac infarction occurs almost never without a background. Most of the time, it is the culmination of several years during which risk factors have been silently taking their toll on the person’s health.

• Hypertension and high levels of blood lipids
• Tobacco use or heavy drinking
• Diabetes and overweight
• Inactive lifestyle and long-term anxiety
• Genetic predisposition to heart disease

Getting rid of these dangers by having regular medical examinations, eating the right food, and having the right amount of exercise will go a long way in lowering the risk of heart attack.

Listening to Your Body Can Save Your Life

Usually, your body tries to communicate with you long before a major heart attack. If you continue to experience chest discomfort, difficulty in breathing, or tiredness and decide to ignore them, the outcomes might be quite serious. These early indications that your heart needs help and getting the right medical attention in time can save your heart for many years.

At Sugam Hospital, we are dedicated to preventing the occurrence of the situation when it is too late to do something. We have a team of cardiologists, the best medical equipment, and 24/7 emergency support which enables us to qualify for giving a patient’s second chance and thus reviving health. If you are looking for a reliable cardiac center, then a visit to the cardiology hospital in Chennai will be your best decision, where the care of each heartbeat and the value of time are our utmost priorities.