Heart Attack Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Did you know heart attacks are a leading cause of death in the US? Our stressful lives and junk food diet contribute to making heart problems more common and dangerous. Here are symptoms that could mean you might have a heart attack within a month. Treat these as warning signs.
- Swollen Feet
If you have congestive heart failure, your heart’s lower chambers may not pump blood well. Blood can back up in legs, ankles, and feet, causing swelling (edema). - Fatigue
Narrow arteries mean less blood reaches the heart. The heart has to work harder, leaving you constantly tired and drowsy. - Shortness of Breath
Less blood to the heart means less oxygen to the lungs. If you’re having breathing trouble, see a doctor quickly as it could signal an approaching heart attack. - Weakness
Sudden body weakness can be due to poor blood circulation from narrowed arteries. Muscles don’t get what they need, and you might even fall. Also, blood flow to the brain is restricted, causing dizziness and clamminess. Don’t ignore this. - Chest Pressure
Heart attack onset may bring chest discomfort, like minor pain or pressure. This discomfort usually gets worse until the attack occurs. - Flu – like Symptoms
Unexpected flu – like feelings could mean a heart attack is near. Many people feel like they have a cold just days before an attack. - Upper Body Discomfort
Unexplained discomfort in the upper body, such as pain or a heavy sensation in the arms (especially the left arm), shoulders, neck, jaw, or back, can be a sign of an impending heart attack. These symptoms might come and go, or they could be persistent. Since the heart shares nerve pathways with these areas, a heart problem can sometimes be felt as discomfort in these parts of the upper body.
What to Do
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, see a doctor right away. Early symptom detection is the best way to prevent a heart attack.
