Millions of people suffer and even die from heart attacks all across the globe every day. Most people don’t even realize that they are suffering from a heart attack, as the symptoms are mild or such that you would not even relate them to a heart problem. When people do not feel or realize that they are suffering from a heart attack then it’s what people like to call a ‘silent attack’.
But what people don’t know is that there are certain subtle signs that are a giveaway of the attack that is to come.
- Excessive sweating
Sweating can be easily overlooked. Unless it’s really hot or you have been exercising more than usual there is no reason for you to sweat. So if you have been feeling all unusually clammy and sweaty then do visit the doctor to diagnose the problem.
The reason that you sweat when you’re suffering from heart attacks are because you’re arteries are so clogged that your body needs to pump extra hard to get that blood flowing, so you exert more and thus your body sweats to lower the temperature of your body.
- Shortness of breath
Often wrongly diagnosed as a lung issue, breathlessness can also be caused by heart problems. When your heart is not able to pump blood properly and circulate enough oxygen throughout your body, you experience shortness of breath.
- Fatigue
If you have been feeling unusually tired for days, weeks or even months then it could be a sign of a heart attack. If the fatigue is not associated with sleeplessness or illness then you do have a reason to get concerned. Do visit the doctor and figure out why you are fatigued all the time.
- Pain or soreness in the chest, shoulders and neck
Different people experience different symptoms. Some experience the pain in the neck, while others in the chest and the rest in the shoulders.
If you have been suffering from persistent pain in any of these areas then it might be a good idea to investigate the source of the pain. Sometimes the pain can be in the form of a pressure or tightness felt in the chest or shoulders.
- Stomach ache, Nausea or dizziness
Heart attacks might show weird unrelated symptoms like nausea and dizziness. Do not be mistaken by these symptoms. If it’s not a stomach ache caused by spoilt food or gas then you should consider ruling out the cardiovascular issues.
- Panic attack or anxiety
If you have been feeling anxious for no apparent reason or suddenly panicking for nothing then it might be a good idea to figure out what caused this sudden acceleration of the heart.
- Insomnia
More than half of the people who suffer from heart attacks experience insomnia for a few days before the actual attack.
Now that you have understood the signs or symptoms that lead to a heart attack it’s better to be alert and prepared.
Written by: Rasha Ashraf
