HEART ATTACKS. WARNING SIGNS.

A heart attack occurs when a section of the cardiac muscle dies due to an obstruction of the arteries that supply blood to that particular area of the heart.

It is the biggest cause of mortality in men and women worldwide.

SYMPTOMS OF A HEART ATTACK.

• Acute pain located within the centre of the chest, described as penetrating. This is a type of pain that has never been experienced before.

• Crushing pain in the chest, almost as if someone was stepping on it.

• A type of pain within the centre of the chest that extends to the left arm, jaw, neck, both arms and back.

• Dizziness, vomiting, general weakness.

• Extreme and inexplicable low blood pressure, regardless of whether medication is taken for it or not.

• Pain in the stomach described by the patient as chocking him/her.

• Breathing difficulties.

• Extreme sweating (Bathed in sweat)

• Fainting or loss of consciousness.

These are the most common symptoms however, in a significant proportion of cases, particularly those in WOMEN, a heart attack does not exhibit any pain but patients do exhibit shortness of breath, extreme anxiety, epigastric pain (stomach) or extreme tiredness.

Even though chest pains can sometimes be caused by heartburn due to esophageal-gastric reflux, muscle pains, etc. precautions should always be taken especially, if these symptoms continue to worsen or do not subside.

Always remember that although heart attacks do not come with a warning, patients that suffer from cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. have a higher risk of suffering from this pathology and should in turn, be more vigilant in case any of these symptoms present themselves.

Let us not forget that being able to take swift action by looking for medical help can save our lives.

Dr J. Hurtado Martínez

Medical Director of HealthSalus