People who’ve suffered a heart attack say that now that they think about it there were symptoms and signals that something was wrong but they didn’t pay much attention to them. Some say that things were off even a month or two before the tragic event and only if they had spotted these signals in time maybe they could have done something to prevent it. That’s why when it comes to preventing and lowering the risk of a heart attack it’s crucial that you spot these symptoms in time and do something about them.
Heart attack can strike anyone but there are some risk factors that increase the odds for it to happen like:
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Stress
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
The American Heart and stroke association says that strokes and heart attacks usually happen as a result of insufficient blood supply and/or coronary artery blood flow blockage.
According to statistics, more than 700 000 people suffer a heart attack in the US alone every year and% of these cases (100 000 people) die as a result of this. More than half of those who suffered a heart attack never fully recover from it and live with the consequences for the rest of their lives.
The only thing we can do when faced with this risk is try to notice the signs and symptoms that point to this life-threatening condition. As we already mentioned, these signs can be spotted up to a month before a heart attack and noticing them can allow you to do something in time and prevent it from happening.
Below you can read more about the 8 key warning signs that warn you a month before that a heart attack in imminent. Read them carefully as they may save your life.
Atypical Body Weakness
One of the key symptoms that a heart attack may be in your near future is feeling unusual body weakness. This happens as a result of poor circulation and blood flow. If you feel a weakness in your muscles without any particular reason don’t ignore it, see a doctor and check to see what’s wrong.
Feeling dizzy
Just as we said it before, feeling dizzy without any particular reason can be a red flag. It can happen as a result of poor circulation and affect the blood supply to your brain, leading to you feeling lightheaded and dizzy. It’s one of the crucial symptoms that point to a heart attack.
Cold sweats
Poor blood flow and circulation can lead to cold sweats and be a symptom of an imminent heart attack. If you feel cold, clammy and unwell overall see a doctor.
Chest Pain, Arms, Shoulders and Back Pain
This is probably one if the most commonly known symptoms for a heart attack – chest pain. But shoulders, back and arms pain can also indicate an increased risk of heart attack so mind these factors as well. Chest pain and tightness happens just a few hours before a heart attack but you still have time to call an ambulance and react in time.
Cold or Flu Like Symptoms
This symptom might be a bit vague but it’s worth mentioning that many people who’ve experienced a heart attack said that they had flu-like symptoms about a month before the unfortunate event. It doesn’t necessarily mean that if you have flu-symptoms you’re in dire danger of a heart attack but you should consult with your doctor to be sure.
Feeling tired all the time
If you feel tired all the time in addition to feeling muscle weakness you must see a doctor immediately because there’s a 99% chance you’re going to have a heart attack. These are probably the result of poor blood supply and usually happen to overweight or obese people. The tiredness you’re feeling is a result of your heart working too hard to generate enough blood to all your body parts. And the bigger your body is the harder your heart will have to pump.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is also a serious warning sign of possible heart failure. Just like any other organ in the human body the lungs need ample amount of oxygen to function normally. The oxygen travels to your lungs via the red blood cells. Hence, poor blood supply to your lungs means difficulties breathing and so on.
Additional warning signs that indicate heart failure is possible
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- indigestion
- heartburn
If you have a magnesium deficiency it will increase your risk of a heart attack as well so be sure to check your magnesium levels as well and increase them if you’re deficient.
