It’s important to note that women can often experience less obvious and non-specific symptoms when they are having a heart attack. — AFP
A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires an immediate call to the emergency services.
However, there are sometimes warning signs that can show up weeks in advance that should prompt you to visit your doctor.
Firstly, what exactly happens during a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when the vessels that supply the heart itself with oxygen and nutrients – known as coronary arteries – become blocked.
One cause is calcium deposits building up in them, says the German Heart Foundation.
As this is a gradual process, symptoms often appear before the blockage occurs, when the vessels are already narrowed in what is referred to as coronary artery disease.
A common symptom of coronary artery disease is angina pectoris.
Sufferers feel pain, and pressure or tightness in the chest, and it is difficult to breathe.
If these symptoms occur during physical exertion and improve again at rest, do see a doctor.
However, even milder symptoms can be precursors to a heart attack and should be medically investigated, says the German Heart Foundation.
That could include if you have had problems climbing stairs for more than two weeks, feel weak, are experiencing unexplained shortness of breath or tire out quickly.
It becomes critical when angina pectoris – pain, pressure or tightness, and shortness of breath – suddenly occurs even at rest.
This can indicate an imminent heart attack.
This phase can last several weeks, but sometimes only a few hours.
If you wake up at night with chest pain, you should call the emergency services immediately.
In the event of a heart attack itself, every minute counts because there is a risk of permanent heart failure and cardiac arrest.
Typical symptoms are:
- Sudden onset of severe pain in the chest or behind the breastbone that lasts longer than five minutes
- Pain that radiates to other parts of the body, such as the arms (usually the left), upper abdomen, back, neck, jaw or shoulder blades.
- Severe tightness and pressure in the chest – a feeling as if an elephant were sitting on your chest.
- Severe burning sensation in the chest, which may feel like heartburn.
It is also important to note that women often experience heart attacks differently.
Women sometimes experience non-specific symptoms such as pain in the upper abdomen, which can be confused with stomach ache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; light-headedness; or unexplained tiredness.
Even healthcare professionals sometimes find it difficult to make the correct diagnosis immediately.
ALSO READ: You might not expect these signs of a heart attack in women
But call the doctor if you are concerned as it is better to be safe than sorry. – dpa
