6 Warning Signs Your Body Shows Before A Heart Attack

After a heart attack, it’s pervasive to catch someone saying that they felt something was wrong for a while but ignored it and didn’t get it checked earlier. Each year, a heart attack is still the leading cause of death in both men and women. In this article,
Dr Kausthub Desikachar makes his readers aware of the 6 warning signs your body shows before a heart attack. 

What Is A Heart Attack And What Happens During A Heart Attack?

A person suffers from a heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, when the blood flow to the heart is blocked or restricted. This blockage is usually caused by the raised level of fat deposits, cholesterol, and other substances, forming plaque in the heart’s arteries. Over time, plaque buildup forms a clot that blocks adequate blood flow to the heart, hurting or injuring a component of the heart muscle, leading to a heart attack. 

The earliest symptoms of heart attack are often very subtle, but it’s risky to neglect them. Dr Kausthub Desikachar says being aware of the warning signs of a heart attack is mandatory to identify and obtain essential treatment as quick as possible. Most often, heart attacks start gradually, unlike the dramatic depiction often seen in the movies. The warning signs of a heart attack can appear at any time at rest or in motion, work or play, and may strike suddenly, hours, days or even weeks before you end up in the hospital. A person enduring a heart attack may not even be aware of what is happening with them at that moment. The warning signs of heart attack vary between individuals and even with someone who previously has suffered a heart attack. For an enormous circle, the symptoms they are aware of are intense chest pain or tightness. But there are many more warning signs of a heart attack, as shared below by
Dr Kausthub Desikachar, which will help you get treatment quicker and prevent or curb the damage to your heart muscle. 

The Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack

Dr Kausthub Desikachar says not all heart problems come with clear warning signs. As you witness in most movies, there is not always a distressing chest clutch followed by the person collapsing to the ground. It’s not invariably clear to tell what’s going on within when there is a heart attack. Heart attacks come with multiple symptoms that are effortlessly mistaken as different ailments (like nausea, heartburn, and fatigue). Doctors and specialists recommend getting it checked out when in ambiguity rather than assuming it might be something small and ignoring the symptoms, which worsens the situation by the time you get to the hospital. Identifying the warning signs of a heart attack and quickly obtaining medication can be the difference between life and death. 

Dr Kausthub Desikachar says that’s exceptionally valid if a person comes under the following category: 

  1. Aged 60 or above 
  2. Obese or overweight
  3. Unhealthy diet and Physical inactivity
  4. Diabetic
  5. High blood pressure patient
  6. Cholesterol patient
  7. Family history of heart attack
  8. Consumes excessive alcohol
  9. Smoking history
  10. Too much stress

Here Are The 6 Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack:

1. Uncomfortable And Discomforting Chest

Most commonly, the earliest symptom of a heart attack is agonizing pressure, a feeling of a very tight hug or fullness in the middle of the chest. 

Dr Kausthub Desikachar says everyone has a different way to express how that feels. Some people say it appears like an elephant is sitting on them, while others say it’s a firm pinch or burning feeling.

This feeling of discomfort usually lasts longer than a few minutes. 

One who experiences this symptom must immediately get it checked by a doctor. Also, remember that it is most common among women to have a heart attack even without a discomforting chest.

2. Pain That Spreads To Other Areas Of The Body

Another well-known symptom of a heart attack is the sharp pain spreading down the body’s left side. Most people have pain in places other than the chest, like the neck, jaw, arms, back, or shoulders. This happens because the nerves in your heart signal that something is wrong, radiating pain in the body.

3. Nausea And Indigestion

Some people develop gastric symptoms like a nauseous stomach or vomiting, which can feel like acid reflux or heartburn. This happens when the heart doesn’t receive enough blood supply. Reach out to a doctor immediately, especially if you’re having other symptoms.

4. Dizziness

A heart attack can make you lose your stability or sense dizziness and faint for a while. If one experiences dizziness coupled with chest discomfort or shortness of breath, consult a heart specialist immediately. 

5. Profuse Sweating

Breaking out and sweating profusely for no clear reason could signal a heart attack. Sweating coupled with other symptoms should not be ignored.

6. Shortness Of Breath And Heart Palpitations

When the arteries have a block and the heart lacks sufficient blood supply, you might have heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats. Heart palpitations along with shortness of breath or other symptoms could put you in danger if not treated immediately.

Conclusion

Recognizing the warning symptoms of a heart attack and seeking early treatment can be the difference between life or death. Dr Kausthub Desikachar says making some lifestyle changes can also help prevent a heart attack from happening.

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Dr Kausthub Desikachar

Dr Kausthub Desikachar

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar is the successor and current lineage holder of the classical Viniyoga tradition of T Krishnamacharya & TKV Desikachar. He is an acclaimed yoga teacher, yoga therapist, healer and spiritual adviser. He is also an avid photographer, inspirational writer and poet.

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