Heart attacks have become quite common these days, especially during the cold season, but experts say that a month before a heart attack...

The rapid increase in heart attack cases has been a cause for concern in recent times. Heart attacks were once common among the elderly, but today, even young people and children are losing their lives to heart attacks. In 2019, 17.9 million people died from heart disease, and 85 percent of these deaths were due to heart attacks and strokes. You may think that heart attacks occur suddenly, but research shows that many people experience symptoms days or months before a heart attack. Recognizing these potential signs can save lives. This news item outlines five warning signs of a heart attack that can appear up to a month in advance…

These symptoms appear before a heart attack

Chest discomfort and heaviness According to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (.gov) , chest pain is a major symptom of a heart attack. People often experience mild chest pain or pressure a few days or weeks before a heart attack. It may feel like there's some pressure, fullness, or heaviness in the chest that occurs intermittently. It's not always severe pain, but it shouldn't be ignored. Some people describe it as something sitting on the chest. This pain can spread to the arms, jaw, neck, or back.

Persistent and unexplained fatigue
According to the NHS.UK website , people often complain of strange fatigue. Feeling constantly and unexplained tired is a common early sign of a heart attack, especially in women. If you feel unusually tired even after getting enough rest, it is a warning sign. This fatigue may be due to reduced blood flow to the heart, which makes it work harder. If you feel tired even while doing everyday tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, it is important to consult a doctor.

Shortness of breath:
Unexplained shortness of breath, even with mild activity or at rest, can be an early sign of a heart attack. People experience shortness of breath because the heart's ability to pump blood is reduced. This can cause fluid to accumulate in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath. This symptom can appear weeks before a heart attack and should not be ignored, especially if it is new or worsening.

A rapid heartbeat or palpitations
is a feeling that your heart is beating very fast or irregularly. You may feel this pounding in your chest, throat, or neck. Palpitations can occur at any time, even when you're resting or doing normal activities. They occur when the heart works harder to compensate for a lack of blood flow or oxygen. If this is accompanied by dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, it could be a sign of a heart attack and requires immediate medical attention.

Sleep Disturbances
Another important symptom that people often overlook is sleep disturbances. Whether it's trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling restless, these sleep disturbances should be considered a warning sign. Shortness of breath, night sweats, or other symptoms such as fatigue or restlessness combined with persistent sleeplessness are also warning signs.

Disclaimer: All health information and advice provided here is for your understanding only. This information is based on scientific research, studies, and advice from medical and health experts. It is best to consult your doctor before following these guidelines.

PC:Freepik