A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. The interrupted blood flow can damage or destroy the heart muscle. The majority of the time, the blood flow is restricted due to a build-up of fat and cholesterol – forming a plaque. Pay attention to the warning signs you’re in need of a medical check-up.
Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care says: “Early heart attack symptoms occur in 50 percent of all people who have heart attacks.”
Heart attack symptoms vary from person to person and even from one heart attack to another. But common symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back
- Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
- Cold sweat
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
The British Heart Foundation add the less common symptoms of a heart attack to look out for, which are:
- A sudden feeling of anxiety that can feel similar to a panic attack
- Excessive coughing or wheezing
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It’s also critical to know the symptoms of a “silent” heart attack. Symptoms of a silent heart attack include:
- Mild discomfort in your chest, arms, or jaw that goes away after resting
- Shortness of breath and tiring easily
- Sleep disturbances and increased fatigue
- Abdominal pain or heartburn
- Skin clamminess
During a heart attack (which is different from a cardiac arrest), you’ll be conscious and breathing.
A heart attack is a medical emergency because it can be fatal, so dial 999 immediately.
The experience of even one heart attack can indicate an undercurrent health problem, such as coronary heart disease.
This disease describes when the heart’s blood supply is interrupted by fatty substances within the coronary arteries.
Dr James Harrison, Consultant Cardiologist at London Bridge Hospital, notes how stress can also lead to heart problems.
He said: “Chronic stress is now considered as a risk factor for heart disease – thought to be caused by changes in the electrical stability of the heart and increased fatty deposits in the coronary arteries.”
Going on to explain how stress can have an impact on the heart, Dr Harrison adds: “Strong emotions, including stress, lead to the release of stress hormones (particularly adrenaline) in the body, activating the sympathetic nervous system and causing the ‘fight or flight’ response.”
In response to an overflow of adrenaline, Dr Harrison notes there’s an “increase in the heart rate and force of contraction”.
Interestingly, an increasingly recognised, but rare, condition called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is observed in those suffering from severe emotional distress.
Also known as stress cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome”, Dr Harrison says the condition – which can follow the death of a loved one – “can mimic a heart attack”.
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The British Heart Foundation (BHF) also recognise the condition, with the charity noting the Japanese namesake “takotsubo” stems from the name of an octopus trap.
The reason behind this moniker for “broken heart syndrome” is due to the resemblance to an octopus trap following the left ventricle of the heart changing shape – it develops a narrow neck and round bottom.
As a result, the heart muscle becomes weaker and doesn’t pump blood as well as it should, but most people can recover from takotsubo.
The BHF list other known causes for this alteration in heart shape, which include: domestic abuse, physical assault, financial worries or debt and being involved with a disaster, such as an earthquake.
The charity adds that it’s often brought on by emotional or physical distress.
Noting that speaking with a counsellor or clinical psychologist may be helpful in remedying the condition.
If you fear you may be suffering from heart disease, or may have suffered a heart attack unwittingly, do schedule for regular health check-ups with your doctor.
Looking after your heart is a lifelong journey, make sure yours is beating well today.
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