Heart attack is a lifestyle disease that occurs when the blood flow fails to reach the heart. The heart pumps blood to all parts of the body, but for it to function, it needs blood supply. The coronary artery feeds the blood to the heart. Heart attack is also known as cardiac arrest.
Heart Attack Symptoms In Men And Women – 8 Common Symptoms!
People experience heart attack symptoms differently. Some people experience severe symptoms, while others experience mild or no symptoms at all. Chest pain or angina (chest pressure) is the most common symptom. Note that the more symptoms you get, the greater the risk.
How heart attack arises
Due to cholesterols buildup (also called plaque) on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, the arteries become narrow. At the point of the blockage, the blood pressure slows, causing friction on the walls. Eventually, the plague breaks out, blocking the arteries completely, stopping oxygenated blood flow to the heart. Once the heart muscles stop receiving oxygenation, it collapses and stops pumping the blood (heart attack).
Symptoms of a heart attack in men and women.
Men may experience different symptoms from men, but the most common of all is chest pain. Even though chest pain is a common symptom in both men and women, women can experience a heart attack without it.
Squeezing pressure on the chest and pain
This is the most common symptom in men and women. One experiences pressure or tightness at the center of the chest. The pain comes in intervals and lasts for about one minute before it disappears.
Vomiting or nausea
When your digestive system stops receiving enough blood, gastric symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and belching start to develop, this may be mistaken for heartburn. At this point, contact a doctor if you are experiencing other heart attack signs.
Slowed breathes
This occurs when the lungs stop receiving enough supply of blood. When this happens, one struggles to breathe in and out. Sometimes it may be because of a simple task like climbing stairs or lifting something. When you experience this, it is always good to seek doctors’ advice.
Unusual fatigue
Sometimes one may experience fatigue after working throughout the day, which is quite normal. But when you experience extreme fatigue after working less, it may be a sign of heart attack. Most women experience this before a heart attack. Fatigue is a result of your body lacking enough blood.
Increased heart rate.
This is the earliest symptom of a heart attack. As explained above, a heart attack is caused by the blockage of a coronary artery due to plaque. Before the blockage, the heart rate may increase because of the change of blood pressure in the arteries. Remember, blood flow is a continuous process which means a single alteration will equally affect the whole process. When this happens, contact medical care immediately because it might be an early sign of a heart attack.
Sweating.
It is normal to sweat after a workout, but sudden cold sweating may signify a heart attack. Heart attack causes the nervous system to respond by releasing a flight hormone called Adrenaline. This hormone helps to keep the body in survival mode, ready to respond to any danger hence sweating.
Dizziness.
Feeling dizziness accompanied by shortness of breath and chest pain may be a sign of a heart attack. Dizziness is caused by a low blood supply in the brain.
Partial body pain.
Apart from the chest pain, other body parts such as the neck, jaws, back, or shoulders may experience pain due to a heart attack. During a heart attack, the heart nerves signal to the brain something is wrong. The brain responds by sending pain hormones to the body.
Precaution measures to take when you experience the above symptoms.
⚠️Call emergency medical care immediately if the symptoms are severe. But if you are experiencing mild symptoms, go to the nearest medical care for a checkup.
⚠️Relax and take deep breaths.
⚠️Avoid driving yourself if you have heart problems.
Heart attack is a severe disease that kills most people in the world. Avoid food with high cholesterol and exercise regularly to reduce the risks of having a heart attack. However, if you experience the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.