6 Early Signs of a Heart Attack: Men and Women

Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, are considered one of the most common causes of death. In simple words, a heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs due to improper blood flow to the heart. Generally, this happens due to some kind of blockage caused by fat buildup, blood clots, or several other reasons. This actually prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the organ, which can eventually lead to severe damage to the heart muscles.

Although the symptoms of a heart attack can vary from one person to another, some of the most common ones include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue. There are several risk factors for heart attacks, such as age, gender, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. While some of them, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, others can be taken care of with a few lifestyle changes and proper medication.

Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Other than this, there are a few other warning signs that show an individual’s increased risk of heart disease or suffering from a heart attack. Here are some of the most common signs of a heart attack:

1. Persistent Chest Pain:

This is one of the most basic signs of a heart attack, yet so many people don’t treat it as a medical emergency. However, if an individual experiences sharp chest pain and starts feeling extremely unwell, the chances are high that he/she is having a heart attack. Although chest pain is associated with a number of other medical conditions, one will also feel heaviness, tightness, or pressure in the chest during a heart attack. Sometimes, people experience chest pain while doing some kind of physical activity, but it goes away as soon as they stop. In such a scenario, it is not treated as one of the signs of a heart attack, but it is always recommended to consult a doctor and get a Heart secure test.

2. Indigestion:

While the classic symptoms, such as chest pain, can be noticed in everyone, women are more likely to experience a few symptoms that are not common in men. Indigestion and shortness of breath are among the most common signs of a heart attack in women. If one experiences a burning sensation in the chest or stomach, this can be a sign of some heart-related issues. If this indigestion-type pain is recurring and gets extreme at times, this can also be one of the pre-heart attack symptoms in females.

3. Constant Pain in Legs, Arms or Back:

Generally, people might not associate arm pain with their heart, but it is one of the initial symptoms of a heart attack in both men and women. Especially if it is the left arm and the pain extends to the neck and the lower part of that arm, it can indicate a heart-related problem. Although there are several factors that can cause this, with indigestion being one of them, this needs immediate medical attention if this pain doesn’t go away. Other than this, getting a gripping, cramping sensation in the calves is also one of the pre-heart attack symptoms in males and females. This is more common in individuals with an existing medical condition like diabetes, and it can also affect their ability to walk.

Also, read: Tips to Prevent Heart Diseases

4. Choking Sensations:

Almost every heart attack involves some kind of discomfort, with pain ranging from mild to severe. It often includes a feeling of fullness or a choking sensation. In simple words, it can be defined as tightness or pain up in the throat, along with a restricting feeling. Although this can be caused by a few other things, it is best to consult a doctor if the feeling continues. It is not recommended to ignore such sensations, even if the person hasn’t previously been diagnosed with a heart problem.

5. Swelling on Feet and Other Body Parts:

Swelling on the ankles is a very common condition that is also known as edema. Sometimes, it is associated with heart-related problems and treated as one of the major signs of a heart attack in women and men. When the heart does not get a proper blood supply, it affects the overall flow of blood in the body. As a result, fluid starts building up in the tissues, leading to swelling in the lower legs. This swelling can get worse with time and shouldn’t be ignored, as it can be a marker of heart failure.

6. Extreme Fatigue:

Feeling exhausted at the end of a hectic day is common, but if this feeling of tiredness lasts all day, this can be an early symptom of a heart attack. If an individual suddenly starts experiencing extreme tiredness without making any significant changes to his/her lifestyle, the best thing to do is consult a doctor immediately.

In conclusion, heart attacks are a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If anyone suffers from a heart attack, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. By understanding the causes and risk factors, as well as making a few lifestyle changes, people can also work towards preventing heart attacks and living a healthy life.