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Due to modern lifestyle, excessive mental stress, unbalanced diet and sedentary routine, heart diseases have become a serious health challenge today. It is often believed that a heart attack (Myocardial Infarction) occurs suddenly and without any warning, but according to medical science and cardiologists, when there is a blockage in the arteries of the heart, the body starts giving subtle warning signals several weeks or about a month in advance. If these initial symptoms are identified in time and medical examination is done immediately, then any major untoward and life-threatening situation can be easily avoided.
Unexplained extreme fatigue and physical weakness
Feeling persistently lethargic and extremely tired without any heavy work or effort is one of the earliest symptoms of a heart attack. When the heart has to work harder to pump blood due to plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries, oxygen-rich blood is not able to reach other parts of the body in sufficient quantity. Due to this, the person starts feeling completely tired and energyless even in normal daily activities.
Shortness of breath and gasping at the slightest activity
If you start feeling breathless while climbing stairs, walking fast or even in a relaxed posture, do not ignore it as a lung problem. The heart and lungs work together in the blood circulation system. When the heart is unable to pump enough blood, fluid begins to accumulate in the lungs, impairing oxygen exchange and causing difficulty breathing.
intermittent heaviness, tightness, or slight pressure in the chest
A few weeks before a heart attack, you may feel slight pressure, burning, pulling, or stiffness in the middle or left side of the chest. People often ignore it considering it to be normal gas, indigestion or acidity. If this heaviness increases with physical exertion and reduces with rest, it can be a clear sign of angina, which indicates severe blockage in the arteries.
Pain spreading to neck, jaw, back and left arm
Heart related pain is not always limited to the chest only. Many times the pain starts from the chest and spreads towards the left shoulder, entire left arm, neck, lower part of the jaw or upper back (between the two shoulders). Unexplained tension and pain in the jaw or teeth, especially in the morning, can be an indirect symptom of lack of oxygen in the heart muscle.
sudden cold sweat without heat or exertion
Sudden appearance of cold sweat on the forehead and palms despite normal temperature and sitting under a fan-AC is considered a sign of cardiovascular crisis. When the heart struggles to push blood through blocked arteries, the body’s autonomic nervous system becomes activated, causing sudden sweating to regulate body temperature.
Persistent indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or loss of appetite
Early symptoms of heart attack also include problems related to the digestive system, which are seen more in women than men. Persistent heaviness in the upper abdomen, gas formation, feeling like vomiting (nausea) and feeling full without eating anything may be the result of reduced blood flow to the lower part of the heart rather than a stomach problem.
Palpitations
A sudden increase in heartbeat without any fear, panic or running, intermittent heartbeat or feeling like fluttering in the chest can be a sign of ‘Arrhythmia’. When the heart muscle does not receive blood regularly, its electrical system becomes unbalanced.
Persistent swelling of the soles, ankles and toes (Edema)
When the pumping capacity of the heart weakens, the body’s blood circulation slows down, causing blood and fluid to accumulate in the lower veins due to gravity. This results in swelling of the feet, toes and ankles. If shoes suddenly start feeling tight or a depression starts forming when you press your toes, it could be a sign of a weakening heart.
Dizziness, lightheadedness and sudden darkness before the eyes
The brain requires constant oxygen and glucose to function smoothly. When the heart cannot send enough blood to the brain, blood pressure suddenly drops. Due to this, the person suddenly starts having complaints like dizziness, feeling lightheaded or darkness appearing in front of the eyes as soon as he stands up.