Signs of a Heart Attack
Some heart attacks happen without warning, but the majority of them begin with minor pain or discomfort.
Make sure to be mindful of the following, as they may indicate that you are already showing signs of a heart attack:
- Chest discomfort and pain in the chest
- Discomfort in other parts of the upper body (arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, stomach, or even the back area)
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, dizziness, feeling light-headed.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Cold sweats
In patients with diabetes, however, there is evidence that heart attacks may be painless, or experienced atypically due to autonomic neuropathy affecting the sensory innervation of the heart.
Heart diseases and stroke are considered to be part of the cardiovascular disease category. Ischemic heart diseases (heart attacks) and cerebrovascular diseases (stroke) are known to be leading causes of death in the Philippines both in 2019 and 2020.
They are caused by a shortage of blood supply to vital body parts: a blockage in blood flow to the brain causes a stroke, while an obstruction in blood flow to the heart causes a heart attack.
Reduce the Risk of Showing Signs of Stroke or Heart Attack
Regardless of the differences between the signs of stroke and heart attack, both cases require immediate action as they can occur suddenly and intensely that may eventually lead to death.
Some helpful ways to reduce the risks are listed below:
- Avoid smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Manage and control high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol with prescribed medications
- Practice healthy eating and maintain a healthy weight
- Manage stress
Key Takeaways
Many often confuse the signs of stroke or heart attack with each other. But when it comes to signs of stroke or heart attack, it is wise to understand what each does to the body in order to better communicate these symptoms to your doctor.
Preventing the onset of these medical problems can help protect you and decrease the high mortality rate caused by these two debilitating conditions.
Learn more about Stroke here.
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