Just because you are young does not eliminate you from the possibility of getting a heart attack. I felt the need to point that out first because many young people seem to like thinking that a heart attack is an “old person’s illness”. Unfortunately, in recent years, many cases of young, supposedly healthy folks have succumbed to this “old person’s illness” from overworking (both physical and mental), have occurred so there is really no reason to dismiss cardiac arrests as something that “won’t happen to you”.
The high number of heart attack occurrences happen because of our diets and very sedentary lifestyles with the ever advancing technology. Most of us spend our days in front of a computer for eight to 10 hours a day, and consume a calorie count that is just too much for our bodies to take. This, in turn, causes our arteries to be blocked with so much excess fat that our heart gives in and we start experiencing numbness and pain in our chest. Which leads me to the topic. What are the signs of an impending heart attack that we should not be ignoring?
1. Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
If you feel yourself getting dizzy easily and/or suddenly, you need to get yourself to a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes a fainting spell may not be as romantic as you see it to be on the big screens.
2. Pressure, tightness or squeezing sensation in your chest or arms
Sudden pressure, tightness or pain that hits your chest area or arms can be an indication of an impending heart attack. If you see anyone clutching their chest or a loved one telling you that they feel their chest tightening, you need to take heed and send them for a checkup immediately. Unless your numbness stamps from you lying on your arm for too long, don’t take the risk.
3. Fatigue
This doesn’t mean that whenever you feel overwhelmingly tired, it automatically means you may have a cardiac attack symptom. The sort of fatigue you should be concerned about will be the kind where it’s sudden and the drop is immense. It may feel like a sugar crash but a trip to the doctor is always best to make sure.
4. Shortness of breath
If you witness someone catching their breath out of the blue, you should be on the standby to bring that person to medical attention.
5. Cold sweat
Breaking out in cold sweat because you are nervous for an upcoming interview does not count. But if you break out in one for no apparent reason, there may be something wrong with your heart. Don’t delay and take yourself to the doctor immediately.
6. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain
Even something as seemingly simple as this can be a sign of an oncoming heart attack. Although it doesn’t mean that it IS one every time you experience one of these symptoms, it’s always good to get a doctor’s expert advice.
Under any circumstances, listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, stop exercising and seek medical advise immediately.
