It is better to prevent a disease on time instead of treating it afterwards. It applies to all diseases, especially to those that are not characterized with precise symptoms.

Nearly ¼ of the heart attacks are silent, without experiencing any symptoms and silent heart attacks are more common in people with diabetes mellitus.

Even though the symptoms of a heart attack can vary from mild to severe, you should know that often a heart attack can show no symptoms at all.

Moreover, people often attribute the symptoms they experience to indigestion, nausea, stress and fatigue and avoid seeking medical attention. A delayed treatment can cause a permanently reduced function of the heart as a result of a damage of the heart muscle.

In the article, we are going to talk about the symptoms that many people put off even though they may indicate the possibility of experiencing a myocardial infarction or heart attack. If you know the symptoms of a heart attack, you will be able to take better care of your overall health.

SYMPTOMS THAT INDICATE A HEART ATTACK

1. Tiredness

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack. It is more common in women than in men. Mental and physical exertion does not cause tiredness.

If you suffer from chronic fatigue, you will not be able to take a shower or make a bed. It is a main symptom of a heart attack.

2. Stomach pain

Bloated stomach, nausea, and pain in the stomach are common symptoms of a heart attack in both men and women.
Usually, before experiencing a heart attack, you may suffer from stomach pain that will be repeated over time. The pain in the stomach can be aggravated by physical exertion.

3. Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or Dyspnea means that you are not able to take a breath. 6 months before experiencing a heart attack, Dyspnea occurs in both men and women.

If you experience Dyspnea, shortness of breath, trembling and lightheartedness, it means that your health is weakened.

4. Insomnia

Insomnia is more common in women than in men. It is related to an increased risk of stroke and heart attack. It is also accompanied with forgetfulness and anxiety. You may experience a heart attack, if you suffer from insomnia, nausea, poor sleep quality, etc.

5. Hair loss

Hair loss is another common symptom of a heart attack. It is common both in men and women over the age of 50. Baldheadedness is an issue related to an increased level of cortisol in the body. If you lose hair at the top of your head, you should take care of your health.

6. Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating is one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack. It is common in both men and women, even though women often misunderstand it as a symptom of menopause. Moreover, you can also suffer from stickiness, flu or sweaty skin.

Excessive sweating is more common at night, especially when you wake up.

7. Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia indicates missed heartbeat, which is often accompanied with anxiety and panic attacks. It is more common in women than in men. You may experience tachycardia (increased heart rate) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).

If it is left unaddressed, it can also lead to chronic fatigue and dizziness. In cases like this, call a health care professional immediately.

8. Chest pain

Pain in the chest is a common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women. It should not be put off, as it may indicate a heart attack.

The pain may occur in the hands, especially the left hand, shoulders, neck, lower jaw, or even in the stomach. The pain may be long or short.

9. Pain in the upper back

Pain in the upper back is a symptom of a heart attack, too. It is manifested with a pain between the shoulder blades.

10. Headache and toothache

You may experience pain in the jaw, head, back or arms. Headache and toothache is a common symptom of a heart attack.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF A HEART ATTACK

A heart attack happens when the blood flow to the heart is obstructed, often by buildup of cholesterol, fat or other substances that create a plague in the blood arteries. Therefore, the interrupted flow of blood can destroy or damage the heart muscle.

Some of the most common risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, diabetes, family history of a heart attack, stress, a history of autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, smoking or a lack of physical activity.

Nevertheless, there are a few risk factors that are often ignored, but they are crucial for maintaining an optimal health. They include:

• Earlobe crease
• Yellow patches in the inner corner of the eyes
• Experiencing light tenderness in the calf muscles while walking
• Hair growth within the ear canal in men
• A history of preeclampsia

COMPLICATIONS

Complications are often associated with a damage of the heart muscle during a heart attack. The damage can additionally lead to:

• Heart rapture
• Valve problems
• Heart failure
• Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO?

It is never late to prevent a heart attack. If you notice some of the following symptoms, you should consult with a health care professional immediately. Even though you are not sure whether you are experiencing a heart attack, you should call a doctor.

Taking medications helps restore the circulation of blood to the heart and increase the chance of a survival. You should take proper care of your health if you want to prevent experiencing a heart attack. Be more cautions now when you know the common symptoms of a heart attack.

Quit smoking and avoid being exposed to second-hand smoke. Include healthy foods in your diet, regulate the levels of cholesterol, reduce stress, give up smoking and do exercises on a regular basis.