In this article
What are the early symptoms of a heart attack?
dossier
While some heart attacks occur suddenly and violently, others begin and progress much more discreetly. In both cases it is not always easy to understand what is happening. It is therefore important to recognize the first signs of an infarction. In about two out of three cases, patients experience symptoms hours, days or even weeks in advance. What are the warning signs of a heart attack?
Also read: Heart attack: recognize the signals
Also read: How can you have a heart attack unnoticed?
Signs of a heart attack
The initial symptoms may be mild and come on in waves, but get worse over time. These warning signs are mainly chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath (dyspnea), or increasing fatigue. They can occur in the hours, days, or weeks before the heart attack. Here’s what to look out for:
Chest discomfort or pain would be a warning sign. The pain may last more than a few minutes, disappear and then reappear. This is usually a pressing, pinching or radiating pain. Shortness of breath or lack of endurance are also important warning signs of a myocardial infarction. This may occur a few days or even weeks before the heart attack, with or without chest pain. Unusual and increasing fatigue is a symptom that mainly affects women. In the hours before the heart attack, pain or discomfort may occur in other parts of the body: one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw, or the stomach. Other less obvious symptoms can also indicate an impending heart attack: cold sweat, nausea, heartburn, dizziness (vertigo), palpitations.
Also read: How do you recognize cardiac arrest?
Symptoms differ between men and women
© Getty Images
As in men, one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack in women is chest pain or discomfort (angina). However, women also experience other symptoms that are generally less likely to be associated with a heart attack: shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
In addition, women often report unusual fatigue in the weeks leading up to a heart attack. And almost half of patients experience sleep problems before the attack. They may have trouble falling asleep, wake up in the middle of the night, or feel exhausted despite getting enough sleep.
Also read: 8 possible symptoms of a heart attack in women
What to do in case of a heart attack?
Anyone who experiences these symptoms is better off having a preventive examination. Does someone collapse in front of you? Then immediately call the emergency services and start CPR if necessary. Acting quickly can save lives, so every minute counts.
Also read: How do you resuscitate someone?
Also read: Use of automated external defibrillator (AED) in cardiac arrest saves lives
Sources:
Last updated: September 2023
Articles about health in your mailbox? Subscribe to our newsletter and receive a free e-book with healthy breakfast recipes.
Related articles
Related sections
2023-09-28 22:02:49
#early #symptoms #heart #attack #health.be
