A heart attack is considered one of the most dangerous diseases due to which millions of people die every year. According to the World Health Organization, in 2019, approximately eighteen million people died due to heart diseases. Eighty-five percent of eighteen million people died from heart attacks and strokes. Many people experience sudden heart attacks. If medical attention is not sought during or immediately after a heart attack, the risk of death increases. A heart attack is a sudden onset medical illness that does not have any immediate medical symptoms.
However, there are some medical problems that are considered heart attack symptoms that are usually ignored. In most people, these symptoms are not severe, so they go unnoticed. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to a heart attack.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms as they may be symptoms of a heart attack:
Unusual fatigue:
Fatigue is considered to be one of the quietest and most common symptoms of a heart attack. People who experience a heart attack usually feel tired. Due to fatigue, they face difficulties in performing daily tasks. Since heart diseases are the main cause of heart attack, blood flow in the body is severely affected before a heart attack. As blood flow is affected, extra weight is placed on the muscles, leading to fatigue. If you also feel tired in your daily life, contact a cardiologist to find out in time that the cause of fatigue is not heart disease.
Difficulty in breathing:
If you are experiencing shortness of breath or shortness of breath while working or climbing stairs, this could be a sign of a heart attack. Before a heart attack, as blood flow is affected, the respiratory system is also affected.
Chest pain:
People who suffer from a heart attack often have chest pain. While some patients feel more pressure on the chest than usual. Also, chest tightness can also be a sign of a heart attack.
Pain in different parts of the body:
Some people experience pain in different parts of the body before a heart attack. Heart attack patients report that before a heart attack they experience chest pain radiating to other parts of the body such as the shoulders, jaws, neck, and abdomen.
If you experience these symptoms, they may be signs of an impending heart attack. Hence, ignoring these symptoms can be dangerous. However, if you experience a heart attack, you must seek immediate medical attention.
Some lifestyle changes are necessary to lead a healthy life after a heart attack. After a heart attack, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing the disease. If you haven’t had a heart attack yet, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.
Ways to prevent Heart Attack:
A heart attack can be avoided with the help of the following methods
Consume a balanced diet:
Foods that are high in fiber and low in fat help protect against heart disease. Healthy foods like fresh fruits, vegetables and mushrooms can be added to such a diet which improves heart health. Also, you have to reduce the intake of salt, because the consumption of salt can increase the blood pressure. Avoiding heart attacks requires reducing sugar-rich foods, as their consumption increases the risk of diabetes, which can lead to heart attacks.
Increased physical activity:
Increased physical activity along with a balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight. Apart from this, blood pressure also remains normal due to maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise and increased physical activity improve blood flow and lower cholesterol levels. Along with this, exercise also reduces the risk of heart attack. Exercising regularly helps the heart function better, reducing the risk of heart attack. Therefore, physical activity is considered a useful way to prevent heart attack.
Quit smoking:
If you are addicted to smoking, you may face other heart diseases including heart attack due to this habit. Smoking can cause blood vessel diseases that can increase the risk of heart attack.
Reduction in high blood pressure:
Controlling high blood pressure can also reduce the risk of heart attack. Regular exercise along with a balanced diet can also lower blood pressure, which will help reduce the risk of heart attack.
