Prevention is better than cure. This simple rule applies to every illness and is especially valuable if the symptoms are not recognized correctly.
Parents health will describe critical symptoms that can occur a month (or even less) before a heart attack. You don’t have to become a total hypochondriac, but a little health awareness has never hurt anyone. Be careful if you are at risk. Several frequently overlooked indicators are listed at the end of the article.
8. Fatigue
Unusual fatigue is one of the main symptoms indicating an impending heart attack. Women report this type of symptom more often than men.
Description: Physical or mental activity is not the cause of fatigue and it increases until the end of the day. This symptom is quite obvious and will not go unnoticed: Sometimes it is strenuous to perform simple tasks, like making a bed or taking a shower.
7. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain, nausea with empty/full stomach, feeling full or an upset stomach are some of the most common symptoms. They occur with equal probability in men and women.
Description: Abdominal pain before a heart attack is episodic in nature, lessening and then returning for short periods. Physical tension can worsen the stomach pain.
6. Insomnia
Insomnia is also associated with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, which is more common in women. The characteristics of insomnia often include a high level of anxiety and distraction.
Description: Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty maintaining sleep and early morning awakening.
5. Shortness of breath
Dyspnea or shortness of breath is a strong feeling of not being able to take a deep breath. It often occurs in both men and women up to 6 months before a heart attack. It is usually a warning sign of illness.
Description: The feeling of not being able to take enough air, dizziness and shortness of breath.
4. Hair loss
Hair loss is only one more visible indicator of the risk of heart disease. It usually affects men over 50, but some women may also be at risk. Baldness is also associated with increased levels of the hormone cortisol.
Description: Pay special attention to hair loss at the crown of the head.
3. Irregular heartbeat
Skipped beats or arrhythmias are often accompanied by panic attacks and anxiety, especially in women. It occurs unexpectedly and manifests itself differently: arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or tachycardia (increased heart rate). Physical exercise can provide an additional stimulus to increase the heart rate, especially in cases of atherosclerosis.
Description: The irregular heartbeat lasts 1-2 minutes. If it does not stop, you may experience dizziness and extreme fatigue. Call the doctor immediately.
2. Excessive perspiration
Abnormal or excessive sweating is an early warning sign of a heart attack. It can occur at any time of day or night. This symptom is more common in women and is usually confused with the hot flushes or night sweats typical of menopause.
Description: Flu-like symptoms, damp skin or sweating that occur regardless of air temperature or physical exertion. Sweating seems to be more excessive at night; bedding may be damp in the morning.
1. Chest pain
Men and women experience breast pain in different intensity and form. In men, this symptom refers to the most important early signs of an impending heart attack, which should not be ignored. On the other hand, it affects only 30% of women.
Description: Chest pain can develop into unpleasant sensations in one or both arms (more often the left), the lower jaw, the neck, the shoulders or the abdomen. It can be permanent or temporary.