Most people generally
think that the main symptom of a heart attack is pain in the chest. But in the
last few decades, scientists have found that the symptoms of a heart attack are
unclear and can occur in several ways, depending on several factors such as:
gender, type of heart attack, and age. It is important to understand variations
in symptoms that indicate a heart attack, so that you can get the right help
for yourself and the people you care about.
Early symptoms of a heart attack
The earlier / faster you
get help, the greater your chance to recover completely. Unfortunately, many
people don't immediately seek help even though they suspect something has
happened.
Some people may feel lazy
to do the examination, because they think that the symptoms are mild only
limited to heartburn or muscle pain.
Doctors strongly
recommend seeking immediate help if you experience the initial symptoms of a
heart attack.
Even though your guess is
wrong, it's better to do a few tests than to experience long-term heart damage
or other health problems, because you wait too long.
Symptoms of a heart
attack vary by person. Trust yourself, because you know your body more than
anyone else. If you feel something is wrong with your body, don't delay it.
Check the doctor immediately.
According to the Society
of Chest Pain Center, the initial symptoms of a heart attack occur in 50% of
patients with a heart attack, and if symptoms are immediately realized, a heart
attack can be avoided.
The initial symptoms of a heart attack can include:
•
Mild pain or discomfort in the chest, which comes and
goes
•
Pain in the shoulders, neck and jaw
•
Nausea and vomiting, sweating
•
Dizziness, fainting
•
Feelings like something bad is going to happen
•
Restless or dazed
•
Hard to breathe
Symptoms of a heart attack in men
Research has proven that
the risk of heart attack in men increases significantly after the age of 40
years.
The history of heart
disease in families and other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, smoking, and being overweight can increase risk.
Research has shown a
heart reaction to heart attacks in men, and general symptoms, namely:
•
Chest pain, like an elephant occupying your chest;
sensations can come and go, or be constant
•
Fast or irregular heartbeat
•
Hard to breathe
•
Dizziness, or feeling like you are going to faint
•
A cold sweat
•
Discomfort in the stomach, such as indigestion
Keep in mind that each
heart attack is different and symptoms can differ from the description above.
Symptoms of a heart attack in women
In the last few decades,
experts have only realized the symptoms of a heart attack in women different
from men.
In a study published in
the Journal Circulation of 515 women who had a heart attack, the symptoms
reported did not include chest pain.
However, women reported
unusual fatigue, sleep disorders, and anxiety, with almost 80% reporting at
least 1 symptom more than 1 month before a heart attack. Other symptoms that
are common in women, including:
•
Unusual fatigue for several days, or sudden severe
fatigue
•
Anxiety and sleep disorders
•
Dizziness and / or shortness of breath
•
Indigestion
•
Pain in the upper back or shoulder, possible sore
throat
•
Pain that spreads to the jaw
•
Pressure or pain in the center of the chest, which can
spread to the arm
According to the American
Heart Association survey in 2009, only half of women would ask for emergency
help if they felt they had a heart attack.
Even if you feel unsure,
go immediately to the emergency department. Take decisions based on what you
feel normal and abnormal happens to you.
If you have never
experienced symptoms like this before, seek help immediately. If you are unsure
about the doctor's conclusions, check with another doctor.
Symptoms of a heart attack in women over 50 years
Women pass significant
physical changes at age 50 due to menopause. During this time, estrogen levels
decrease.
Estrogen is believed to
protect heart health and after menopause, women have a higher risk of heart
attack. It is important for women who have passed menopause to be aware of
heart health.
Symptoms of a heart
attack in women over 50 years are the same as other women in general, and can
include symptoms experienced by men, such as serious chest pain, sweating, and
irregular heartbeat.
Beware of symptoms and
regular checks can maintain your health.
Symptoms of "silent heart attack"
Silent heart attacks are
common heart attacks, but occur without symptoms. Patients often do not realize
they have had a heart attack. Blood clotting reduces the supply of oxygen to
certain parts of the heart, and some heart tissue dies, but for some reason
there are no serious symptoms.
Sometimes also caused by
nerves in the damaged heart.
This type of heart attack
is more common in people with diabetes and who have had a previous heart
attack, and may have been diagnosed during a routine examination.
According to research at
Duke University Medical Center in 2009, an estimated 200,000 Americans have a
heart attack without realizing it every year.
Unfortunately, this
condition can damage the heart and increase the risk of heart attack in the
future.
Mild symptoms that can indicate silent heart attack, namely:
•
Discomfort in the chest, arms, or jaw that is lost
after resting
•
Shortness of breath and tiredness
•
Sleep disorders and increased fatigue
•
Abdominal pain or heartburn
•
Adherence to the skin
After a silent heart
attack occurs, patients can feel more tired than before, or have difficulty
exercising.
To maintain your heart
health, do regular physical exercise, and if you have heart risk factors,
consult a doctor and check the condition of your heart.
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