Heart attacks are a leading cause of death worldwide, and recognizing the symptoms early can be crucial for survival. one of the best cardiologists in Rajpura, shares his expert advice on identifying heart attack symptoms and the immediate actions to take.
Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Chest Pain or Discomfort: The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. It often occurs in the center or left side of the chest and lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
Upper Body Discomfort: Pain or discomfort can also occur in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. This is sometimes mistaken for other conditions, but it's a critical indicator.
Shortness of Breath: This can occur with or without chest discomfort and may feel like you are unable to catch your breath or like you’ve just run a marathon without having exerted yourself.
Cold Sweat, Nausea, or Lightheadedness: Breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling nauseous, or lightheadedness can be symptoms, especially when combined with other signs.
Fatigue: Unusual or unexplained fatigue is a common symptom, particularly in women. It may persist for days or even weeks leading up to a heart attack.
Subtle Symptoms in Women
Dr. Sharma emphasizes that women often experience symptoms differently than men. They are more likely to have non-traditional symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. These can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, making it essential to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Immediate Actions to Take
Call Emergency Services: If you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. Time is of the essence, and prompt medical treatment can save lives.
Chew Aspirin: If advised by a healthcare provider, chewing aspirin during a suspected heart attack can help thin the blood and improve outcomes. However, only do this if you do not have an allergy or other contraindications to aspirin.
Stay Calm: Try to remain as calm as possible. Panic can exacerbate the situation, and it's important to keep the person experiencing symptoms comfortable and reassured.
Perform CPR if Necessary: If the person loses consciousness and stops breathing, performing CPR can maintain blood flow to vital organs until emergency services arrive.
Prevention Tips
Dr. Sharma also highlights the importance of preventing heart attacks through lifestyle changes:
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels.
Regular Check-Ups: Regular health screenings can detect early signs of heart disease and help manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack and knowing what actions to take can be life-saving. the leading cardiologist in Rajpura urges everyone to be vigilant about heart health and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms. Preventative measures and a healthy lifestyle are also crucial in reducing the risk of heart attacks. Remember, when it comes to heart health, every second counts.
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