Warning: Subtle Signals Your Body May Send a Month Before a Heart Attack
Sydney, Australia - A growing awareness campaign from the Heart Foundation is highlighting often-overlooked warning signs that can appear weeks before a heart attack, urging Australians to pay close attention to their bodies adn seek immediate medical attention for any unusual or unexplained symptoms. While classic symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath are well-known, experts emphasize that many, particularly women, experience more subtle indicators in the month leading up to a cardiac event.
according to the Heart Foundation, one Australian is hospitalised with a heart attack every nine minutes. Recognizing the less obvious signals could be life-saving.
Here are key signs to watch for, as identified by the Heart Foundation:
* Unsteadiness or Blurred Vision: These can indicate circulation issues potentially foreshadowing an attack.
* Sudden Vomiting: Unexpected vomiting can also be a sign of impaired circulation.
* Numbness: Particularly if affecting one side of the body, numbness can signal a stroke or a heart attack, both stemming from interrupted blood flow to the brain.
* Sudden Change in Vision: Experiencing double vision, blurriness, or a sudden inability to focus in one eye should be treated as urgent. this sensation has been described as “a curtain falling across one eye” and is caused by blood flow disruptions forming clots or plaque buildup affecting the retina or the brain’s visual centres.
* Subtle Discomfort: Many australians experience subtler signs such as dizziness, nausea, jaw or back pain, or feeling sweaty and unwell.
* Silent Heart Attacks: Some individuals may even suffer a “silent” heart attack, exhibiting no obvious symptoms at all.
Experts note that warning signs can appear alone or in combination and often persist for at least 10 minutes.They may develop suddenly or gradually, reinforcing the importance of prompt medical evaluation for any unusual or unexplained symptom. Reduced blood flow to the heart can even cause signals to merge with nerve pathways for the arm, resulting in the sensation of numbness.
The Heart Foundation recommends proactive steps to reduce risk, including:
* quitting smoking
* Regular exercise
* A heart-healthy diet
* Maintaining a healthy weight
* Reducing alcohol consumption
* Managing stress
* Monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol
For individuals with diabetes, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial. Women should also be aware of specific risk factors like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy complications, early menopause, autoimmune diseases, and hormone treatments.
The core message from health professionals is clear: listen to your body. Experiencing even a single, unusual symptom warrants immediate medical attention.The earlier action is taken, the greater the chance of survival and a positive outcome.
