About 17.9 million people die of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) each year. CVDs are also the leading cause of death globally, and more than four out of five CVD deaths are due to heart attacks and strokes.
Though heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, many people overlook early warning signs of a weakening heart that can appear months before a heart attack. Research suggests that people experience symptoms in the days or months leading up to their heart attack. These early symptoms are known as prodromal symptoms.
Recognizing these symptoms can prompt timely medical intervention and potentially save lives. Before we dive into the common symptoms that one might experience a month before a heart attack, let's take a look at what it is.
What is a heart attack
A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage often results from a buildup of plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other substances) in the coronary arteries. Without an adequate blood supply, the affected heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and can begin to die within minutes.
Heart attack vs cardiac arrest
Though people tend to mistake a heart attack for cardiac arrest, they are not the same. A cardiac arrest happens when your heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. A heart attack can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Early symptoms of a heart attack
The symptoms of a heart attack can appear months in advance. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. So it is important to catch the signs early and get help.
Chest discomfort: While chest pain is a classic heart attack symptom, a weak heart may cause subtler discomfort months earlier. This can feel like pressure, tightness, fullness, pain, or a burning sensation in the center of the chest. In some people, the discomfort may come and go, making it easy to dismiss.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: This includes pain or discomfort in the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw, and stomach.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during routine tasks like climbing stairs or walking short distances, can indicate heart trouble. A weak heart may not circulate enough oxygen-rich blood, causing breathlessness. This symptom often worsens over time and may be mistaken for aging or lack of fitness. The American Heart Association emphasizes that shortness of breath, particularly when lying down, demands immediate medical evaluation. It is important to know that this can happen with or without chest discomfort.
Unusual fatigue: Unexplained, persistent fatigue is a frequent early sign of a weak heart. Patients often describe this fatigue as feeling "drained" despite adequate rest. If fatigue persists for weeks, consult a doctor.
Cold sweat : Sweating may be accompanied by nausea
Video
Nausea : Feeling sick (nausea) is another crucial sign, along with chest discomfort.
Dizziness: A weak heart may not deliver enough blood to the brain, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. These episodes can occur during activity or at rest and may be accompanied by nausea.
Though heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, many people overlook early warning signs of a weakening heart that can appear months before a heart attack. Research suggests that people experience symptoms in the days or months leading up to their heart attack. These early symptoms are known as prodromal symptoms.
Recognizing these symptoms can prompt timely medical intervention and potentially save lives. Before we dive into the common symptoms that one might experience a month before a heart attack, let's take a look at what it is.
What is a heart attack
A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. This blockage often results from a buildup of plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other substances) in the coronary arteries. Without an adequate blood supply, the affected heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and can begin to die within minutes.
Heart attack vs cardiac arrest
Though people tend to mistake a heart attack for cardiac arrest, they are not the same. A cardiac arrest happens when your heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. A heart attack can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Early symptoms of a heart attack
The symptoms of a heart attack can appear months in advance. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. So it is important to catch the signs early and get help.
Chest discomfort: While chest pain is a classic heart attack symptom, a weak heart may cause subtler discomfort months earlier. This can feel like pressure, tightness, fullness, pain, or a burning sensation in the center of the chest. In some people, the discomfort may come and go, making it easy to dismiss.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: This includes pain or discomfort in the arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw, and stomach.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during routine tasks like climbing stairs or walking short distances, can indicate heart trouble. A weak heart may not circulate enough oxygen-rich blood, causing breathlessness. This symptom often worsens over time and may be mistaken for aging or lack of fitness. The American Heart Association emphasizes that shortness of breath, particularly when lying down, demands immediate medical evaluation. It is important to know that this can happen with or without chest discomfort.
Unusual fatigue: Unexplained, persistent fatigue is a frequent early sign of a weak heart. Patients often describe this fatigue as feeling "drained" despite adequate rest. If fatigue persists for weeks, consult a doctor.
Cold sweat : Sweating may be accompanied by nausea
Video
Nausea : Feeling sick (nausea) is another crucial sign, along with chest discomfort.
Dizziness: A weak heart may not deliver enough blood to the brain, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. These episodes can occur during activity or at rest and may be accompanied by nausea.
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