Home / Health / 10 Early Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack

10 early warning signs of a heart attack

10 early warning signs of a heart attack

Heart attacks typically occur when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This blockage can result from plaque buildup in the arteries, causing reduced blood flow to the heart. If the blood flow is severely restricted or completely blocked, it can lead to damage to or death of the heart muscle. Here are the common early signs of a heart attack:

1. Chest pain
Also called angina, chest pain is a common early sign that indicates a clogged artery. The pain might feel like a tightness in the chest area, squeezing, or a sensation of pressure and general discomfort. People may also complain of the sensation of burning or pinching. The pain may last for a few minutes. Other reasons for chest pain may include acid reflux, muscle strain, or injury. If one experiences the pain for a few seconds, primarily upon touching a particular area around the chest, it is most likely not a result of a heart attack. Alternatively, one may not experience chest pain but still have blockages. So, it’s important to consult a health professional and check one’s heart health periodically.

2. Stinging sensation
One may also experience pain, certain discomfort, or a stinging sensation in different body parts. These sensations can extend beyond the chest area, affecting the back, shoulders, arms, or feet.

3. Jaw or throat pain
Throat or jaw pain may have several other reasons, including sinus infections or dental problems. But it can also be a sign of a heart attack, especially if the pain sits in the center of one’s chest and travels to the jaw or throat.

4. Indigestion
While it’s typically associated with digestive problems, indigestion can also be an unexpected early sign of a heart attack. Associated symptoms in this category include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, stomach pain, or other indigestion issues. Distinguishing between common indigestion from lifestyle factors and indigestion caused by a blocked artery can be challenging. However, certain indicators can help differentiate the two. Indigestion associated with a heart attack often presents with heartburn and breathlessness and may not respond to typical home remedies. In addition, heart-related indigestion may not lead to bloating, unlike regular indigestion.

5. Dizziness
The heart pumps blood and oxygen throughout the body, keeping it energetic. But any blockages can hinder this oxygen supply and lead to feeling breathless, lightheaded, or dizzy. A person may feel like they are losing balance or fainting. These may also be caused by fast movements or dehydration, but if the symptom is associated with chest discomfort or breathlessness, they should seek prompt medical attention.

6. Fatigue
One may experience a sense of fatigue or exhaustion even after performing smaller tasks. People often describe the feeling as running a marathon after walking a few steps. If they see a significant drop in their ability to hold energy levels up throughout the day, they should check their cardiac health.

7. Snoring
Snoring, a common occurrence during sleep, can sometimes signify underlying health concerns. If the snoring is accompanied by choking or breathing difficulties, it can indicate compromised heart function. Sleep apnea is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. The condition causes people to stop breathing and gasp during snores temporarily. Those who seem to have these issues while sleeping should consult a doctor and check their cardiovascular health.

8. Coughing
When the heart cannot meet the body’s demands, blood can leak into the lungs. This can lead to coughing up mucus in a white or pink color and a persistent cough that doesn’t seem to subside with remedies or medical attention.

9. Pain that travels down to the arm
One of the most common signs of an imminent or approaching heart attack is a pain or tingling sensation that starts on the left side of one’s chest and travels or spreads down the same arm. Any person experiencing this symptom should immediately get medical help.

10. Cold sweat
People about to experience cardiac arrest may break into a sweat due to a lack of oxygen supply to the heart muscles and severe stress on the heart.

It is recommended to call 9-1-1 immediately if one experiences severe symptoms. Some immediate treatment methods for heart attack include CPR and electric shock or defibrillation. Early and prompt treatment increases one’s chance of surviving a heart attack and ensuring the least organ damage.

Recommended

Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years.
5 foods that help improve lung health

5 foods that help improve lung health

Our lungs help us receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide through breathing. The body’s natural defense system protects the lungs from infections, germs, and other pathogens. But you can also improve lung health by making specific lifestyle changes like following an active lifestyle and breathing fresh air. Further, the right nutrition plan is crucial. The following foods have essential nutrients that keep the lungs healthy and lower the risk of diseases: High-fiber foods Inflammation is among the leading causes of lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fiber can help fight inflammation. A molecule in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates inflammation in the body. Fiber-rich foods can contain CRP levels and protect the lungs. Fiber can also improve gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. Some fiber-rich foods that promote healthy lungs are apples, artichokes, beans, berries, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, cereal, and whole-grain bread. Vitamin C-rich foods Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that protects our cells from oxidative stress. It also has properties that protect the lungs from free radicals. Research shows that people who lack vitamin C may have decreased lung function, which may lead to infections.
6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

6 of the most recognized running shoe brands

If you want to invest in a pair of good-quality running shoes, choose one from a brand that specializes in making them for professional and casual runners. Look for a manufacturer that offers good arch and pronation support that matches the shape and size of your feet. Generally, a pair of running shoes cost between $110 and $150, while some iconic and popular shoes may cost higher. To help you choose from the top brands, here are the leading running shoe brands that are popular among runners: Brooks Brooks is originally from Canada and operates in the U.S. The brand has been making shoes since 1914 and started making running shoes after the Olympics in 1972. The collaboration of Jerry Turner from Brooks, David Schwaber of a rubber company, and Marty Liquori, a long-distance runner, created a cushiony midsole material from ethylene vinyl acetate. Using this, they introduced the Brooks Villanova in 1975. Their pioneering innovation then became the norm for other brands making sneakers. Some of its other innovations of Brooks include a removable sock line, silicone fluid, GORE-TEX, diagonal rollbar, use of pods on the outsole, and use of flexible material under the ball of the foot. Some of the most well-known running shoes from Brooks include the MOGO series, Green Silence, PureProject, Transcend, and the DNA series.
4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

4 timeless jewelry pieces every woman must own

Every woman, irrespective of age, uniquely expresses her fashion style. And accessories play an important role in the manner of expression. If you think that classic metal or gemstone jewelry is expensive or unsuitable for everyday use, it’s time to change your opinion. Some must-own timeless jewelry pieces can never go out of style. They instantly amp up your look no matter the outfit and garner eyeballs wherever you go. Make these exquisite jewelry options yours now.  Stud earrings Stud earrings are dainty yet elegant pieces of jewelry. They fit quite well on the top of your ear, emitting the right amount of sheen. It has a singular point with a post that passes through the pierced ear, connected through a backing or a clutch behind the ear. The stud, the main part of the earning, can be made of bare metal like gold, silver, or platinum and/or hold a gemstone like a diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, coral, or pearl. The size of the stud and the type of stone could determine the price of the pair of earrings. While stud earrings made with precious stones can be expensive, you can opt for those affordable options with semiprecious stones like turquoise, rose quartz, or garnets.
5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

5 leading SUVs and useful buying tips

Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, have come a long way from being mere large-family vehicles to one of the most versatile and in-demand passenger cars. They are safe, well-designed, spacious, and fun to drive. The large-SUV market segment’s revenue is estimated to reach $148.60 billion in 2022. With increasing interest and demand, many new or redesigned models have entered the market. Here are a few leading SUVs to look for: Hyundai Tucson Hyundai has redesigned the Tucson completely. The 2022 version has multiple trim levels, including a sporty N Line model and a rugged XRT model. It also has three different powertrain options: hybrid, gasoline, and plug-in hybrid. Further, the 2022 Tucson has upgraded infotainment systems, multiple rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, top-class safety features, and driver-assistance technologies like cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance systems, and driver attention warning. The price of the 2022 Tucson starts at around $25,350. Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-sized SUV. The 2022 variant, redesigned to offer a smoother ride, can accommodate five passengers in its top-class interiors with comfortable and supportive seats. The car has three powertrains: the existing V-6 and V-9 and a 4xe plug-in for the hybrid variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard in all models with V-6.
Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022

Top 5 electric cars to consider in 2022

The sale of plug-in electric vehicles is expected to rise to 20.6 million in 2025, making up 23% of new passenger car sales. Battery, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid are the three main types of electric vehicles currently being rolled out. You can choose one from either of these car types on the basis of your driving requirement and budget. Here are some of the top suggestions for electric cars to consider this year: Kia EV6 The EV6 has a stylish exterior and classy interior with hi-tech features like smart parking and vehicle loading capabilities. This five-seater offers 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space even when the seats are not folded. The car’s engine has a 77.4 kWh all-wheel-drive powertrain, 321 bhp, 605Nm of torque from twin motors through a single-speed automatic transmission, and a range of 310 miles. It is quick to power up as a 350kW charger can charge the car from 10%-80% within 18 minutes. The driver assistance feature includes an augmented reality head-up display and remote smart park assist, which helps you park into a narrow space and pull out again when you are back by pressing a few buttons. Nissan Leaf Nissan’s Leaf is one of the cheapest electric cars in the market, costing under $20,000 after taking the tax credit of $7,500.