The symptoms of a heart attack and the severity of them varies from person-to-person. Some may have severe pain, while others have only mild one. Heart attack happens when the coronary artery fails to pass blood to the heart muscle due to reduction of blood flow. This results in the collapse of heart muscle.
Even if you experience mild discomfort, don’t ignore the signs and wait for help.It might be too late! According to new studies, cardiovascular triggers more death rates worldwide. So, act wisely and take the necessary steps when required.
The signs of Heart attack in Women
One of the common symptoms of heart attack in women is chest pain. Which is accompanied by shortness of breath, back pain, vomiting, stomach pain, nauseous feeling and extreme discomfort.
Study shows women are more likely to experience these symptoms than men. Some other common symptoms women experience are:
- Fatigue
- Pressure in the back
- Lightheadedness
The signs of Heart attack in Men
Chest pain can be a common symptom in both men and women. Heart attacks always come with warning bells. High blood pressure is a highlighted sign of a heart attack in men. You’ll feel pain in certain parts of the body because they’re not getting enough blood. It can be above in your back, waist, shoulders, upper stomach, anywhere.
Breaking into cold sweat in another sign of heart attack in men. If you’re an elderly person and have diabetes, you’re likely prone to silent heart attacks with no symptoms. It can turn out to be quite risky.
Other symptoms most likely faced by men are:
- Sudden physical exhaustion
- Having erection problems
- Sudden Stomach sickness
- Bloating problems
- Significant snoring problem
- Leg cramps, hip cramps while walking
How are heart attacks diagnosed?
Some common tests and procedures considered in diagnosing heart attacks are:
- ECG(Electrocardiogram): It reads the electrical activity of the heart via. Electrodes
- CT SCAN: It helps diagnose the extent of damage caused to the heart due to the attack.
- X-ray: To check the blood vessels, fluid presence in lungs and the heart size.
- MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging): This procedure provides a clear image of the heart.
- Blood pressure to check a heart attack ain’t a reliable source of measurement.
Reliable treatments for Heart Attacks
Ofcourse, the best course of action for this will be to consult with a cardiologist. And the best advice to be given is to not take chances when it comes to staying healthy or dealing with any health complications (regardless of the intensity of danger it holds).
The three alternatives or steps usually taken into consideration while dealing with the signs of a heart attack are:
- The course of Nutrition
- The course of medication
- The course of Surgical Procedures
The course of Nutrition:
Doctors will always suggest what’s best for you. So, the choice of taking the journey to the surgical table or adapting certain nutritional habits is up to you.
When it comes to nutrition, it is all about what food to take and what to avoid. Here is a list of foods to avoid and take as per recommendation by a specialist:
Also Read: benefits of Drinking Hot Water Daily
The Foods to take must be fresh fruits and vegetables, opting for olive oil, canola oil, nut oils, low-sodium vegetables, plenty of water intake and trans fat free food. Now, the foods to avoid are obviously rich foods containing fats, high salt & sugar, junk foods, processed meat and alcohol.
The course of Medication:
First aids such as aspirin, nitroglycerin are used to reduce the blood clots and normalize the blood flow to the cardiovascular organs.
Clot diluting drugs such as alteplase, reteplase, urokinase, etc., are used to open the clogged arteries and regulate blood circulation to reduce damage of heart muscle.
There are other supportive medications to reduce pressure on the heart. They can be ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, quinapril, anticoagulants and atenolol.
The course of Surgical Procedures:
There are two most commonly used surgical treatments in case of heart attacks. They are :
- CABG (Coronary artery bypass graft): Also known as Bypass surgery, It allows blood circulation to the heart.
- CAS (Coronary angioplasty and stenting): To restore the blood circulation to the heart a metal net stent is put inside the artery to keep it open.
Certain approach and signs to heart attack
Many people out there don’t really know that heart attacks aren’t the same with cardiac arrests. The sign of heart attack is a damage of heart muscle due to irregular blood flow to the muscle depriving it of the required oxygen level.
While cardiac arrest means the heartbeat stops completely, leading to death. When a heart attack is severe it leads to cardiac arrest. At certain times, cardiac arrest can take place due to fatal shock or arrythmias.
Hence, the best option to stop a heart attack is improving your lifestyle and opting for a proper lookout to your health. This can be done by keeping blood pressure in check, maintaining an appropriate balance between your body weight and height, and restraining from smoking habits.