Every year, nearly 805,000 people in the US experience a heart attack. Almost 605,000 of these heart attack patients are the ones who are having a heart attack for the first time. Research also revealed that many people develop certain symptoms of a heart attack a month prior to the heart attack. Does this mean a heart attack can be prevented if one of identify the symptoms and take proper care? The answer is yes. Now here are 6 signs of heart attack a month before in both male and Female that you should not ignore.
Signs of Heart Attack a Month Before
Pre-heart attack symptoms are called prodromal symptoms, and the symptoms can be as mild as shortness of breath. So, most people end up ignoring the warning signs of heart attack and in most cases, complete recovery becomes impossible because of delay in treatment.
The most common prodromal symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest heaviness
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Unusual fatigue
- Dizziness
1. Shortness of breath
Anyone would feel breathless while trekking, doing heavy workout or taking the stairs. But has it recently become more challenging for you to complete these tasks? Do you feel more breathless than others? Then it could be an alarm signaling that you may experience heart attack. The shortness of breath may or may not be accompanied by chest pain.
2. Chest heaviness
Almost 50% of people who suffered a heart attack said that they have experienced episodes of pressure, tightness, or heaviness on their chest. So, to lessen the risk of heart disease, learn to monitor such symptoms of heart attack.
3. Heart palpitations
When the heart tries to pump blood too hard or too fast, heart palpitations can occur. You may feel like your heart just skipped a beat. According to doctors, these palpitations are among the silent heart attack symptoms.
4. Chest pain
In 2023, a cross-sectional study was done on 242 patients who were survivors of a heart attack. The study disclosed that out of those 242 patients, at least had prodromal symptoms prior to the onset of a heart attack. The most common of these symptoms was chest pain and around 68% of the individuals participating in the study confirmed that chest pain preceded the heart attack. So, it goes beyond saying that chest pain symptoms cannot be overlooked.
5. Unusual fatigue
Everyone feels worn out after a hectic day at work or a sleepless night. But did you know that weakness can also be felt a month before having a heart attack? This sign is not as prominent in men as in women. Moreover, excessive fatigue even after sleeping soundly at night and eating well cannot be taken lightly as it can be due to various other serious illnesses.
6. Dizziness
Some of the things that can make you dizzy are skipping lunch and not having sufficient water. However, dizziness can also be because of limited blood flow to your brain as well as a sudden drop in your blood pressure. Reduced blood flow can be linked with a blockage. So, treat lightheadedness and dizziness as signs of cardiac arrest and get your heart tested.
Differences in Heart Attack Risks Between Women and Men
Around 70% of people with heart attacks are men. Surprisingly, more women die within a year after they experience an attack. The pre heart attack symptoms are also more common in women than in men. For instance, 92.4% women complain of chest pain four weeks before they get a heart attack. There can be other atypical symptoms like anxiety, jaw pain, and vomiting. So, for health-conscious people, recognizing heart problems symptoms can make a big difference.
Parting Thoughts
So, if you experience any of the above-mentioned 6 signs of heart attack a month before, you should book an appointment with a cardiologist. Even if there are no symptoms, going for annual check-ups to safeguard your heart health will be wise after you turn 50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the common early warning signs of a heart attack?
Sleep disorders, light-headedness, pain in the arms and shoulders, chest pain, extreme fatigue, cold sweats, chest burn, and anxiety are some pre heart attack symptoms and so, seeking medical attention is crucial to take preventive measures.
Q. How can recognizing early signs of a heart attack save lives?
Studies have revealed that knowing the early heart attack indicators can even save an individual from getting a heart attack. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the necessary medications and suggest some lifestyle changes to minimize the chances of heart diseases.
Related Post
Life Expectancy After 1st Heart Attack
