ISLAMABAD: Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death globally, but early recognition of the symptoms can increase a person’s chances of survival.
According to research by NHS, while about 70% of people know that chest pain is a symptom of a heart attack, only 41% are aware that sweating is also a sign.
Here are some early signs of a heart attack that everyone should be aware of:
Uncomfortable pressure
One of the first symptoms of a heart attack is feeling weird or experiencing uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the centre of the chest that lasts for over a few minutes.
Pain in other areas of the body
A heart attack can also cause pain in other parts of the body, including the back, shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw.
Dizziness
Feeling dizzy with chest pain and shortness of breath may indicate a drop in blood pressure and a heart attack warning.
Fatigue
According to Harvard Health Publishing, women are likely to feel fatigued a month before having a heart attack.
Nausea
Gastric symptoms, just like queasy stomach, vomiting, or burping, can develop when the heart and other areas of the body don’t receive enough blood supply.
Heart palpitations
When the heart lacks adequate blood supply, it might start to get irritable, leading to palpitations.
Sweating
If you sweat more than the routine without exercising or being active, this could indicate heart issues. Pumping blood through clogged arteries puts more burden on the heart.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath, an overwhelming sense of anxiety (similar to having a panic attack), and coughing or wheezing.
It’s essential to recognize these early signs of a heart attack to increase the chances of survival.
While about 70% of people have some idea about chest pain being a symptom, knowledge about other symptoms is lacking.
Awareness campaigns and education can play a vital role in reducing the impact of cardiovascular diseases. Remember, getting to the hospital early can significantly improve your chances of survival.
