SHARES
Tragedies of close family members or friends suddenly passing away due to heart attack is not uncommon. Most of the time, they might have experienced some physical discomfort, but dismissed it as other minor ailment. With timely identification of heart attack symptoms, perhaps these lives could have been saved.
What is a Heart Attack?
Heart attack happens when there is a blockage in the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart. Subsequently, the heart begins to be starved of oxygen and nutrients, leading to the death of heart muscles.
Fatty deposits can accumulate at the blood vessels due to high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, or damaged blood vessels caused by smoking. When the fatty material breaks away from the deposit, a blood clot is formed to repair the damaged blood vessel. However, the blood clot may block the blood vessels, leading to heart attack.
How to Identify a Heart Attack?
According to the American Heart Association, there are there are four major symptoms:
Chest Discomfort
There may be discomfort in the center of the chest. This discomfort may last more than a few minutes, or become recurrent. Some describe it as an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Common phrases that are used to express the discomfort include “an elephant sitting on my chest”, “a belt that’s been tightened around my chest” or “bad indigestion”.
Discomfort in Other Areas of the Upper Body
There may be pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. Sometimes, it can also feel as if the pain is travelling from the chest to other parts of the upper body. Besides pain, other discomforts may include a choking feeling in the throat or heavy arms.
Shortness of Breath
There may be breathing difficulties, with or without chest discomfort. Coughing or wheezing may also be observed.
Other Signs
Other signs indicative of a heart attack include cold sweat, nausea, and lightheadedness. Some might even feel an overwhelming sense of anxiety, or or feel generally unwell.
Nevertheless, if the heart attack is managed in a timely manner, the damage to the heart muscle can be minimised. Conversely, a delay in seeking treatment may damage the heart muscle, resulting in complications after the episode.
What can You Do during a Heart Attack?
Seek medical help immediately. Call for an ambulance at 999 in Malaysia, or 995 in Singapore or contact your nearest hospital. Alternatively, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Meanwhile, rest and wait for help to arrive, as activities can put unnecessary strain on the heart.
Have your heart checked out, even if you are unsure whether it is a heart attack. As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Risk factors such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, can be managed by healthcare professionals to reduce the risk of heart attack. Hence, if you or your loved one would like to consult a doctor regarding heart health, book an appointment using GetDoc today!
References:
- Heart attack (British Heart Foundation)
- Heart attack symptoms (National Heart Foundation of Australia)
- Warning signs of a heart attack (American Heart Association)
- Heart attack (NHS)
- Heart attack (Mayo Clinic)
If you would like to make an appointment with a cardiologist:
Find a cardiologist in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a cardiologist in Singapore, on GetDoc
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
