Heart attack has become a major health concern around the world.
One of the leading causes of death, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that an estimated 17.9 million people died from heart problems in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths.
With the onset of Covid-19, the situation has worsened and there has been a considerable rise in the number of young heart patients.
Number of factors including poor lifestyle choices, unhealthy eating and even overexercising has contributed to an increase in heart attack cases.
That said, while there is no telling when exactly a heart attack will occur, some parts of your body can indicate a forthcoming heart attack.
1. Chest
An impending heart attack may cause a sense of discomfort and pain. Chest discomfort is surely one of the most common signs and symptoms. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), one may experience “uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest.” The pain and the pressure may last for more than a few minutes. If so, contact your doctor immediately.
2. Back
While chest pain may be a tell-tale sign of a heart attack, one should not overlook warning signs that can appear in your back, especially women. The American Heart Association claims that women are more likely than men to complain of back pain occurring before and during a heart attack.
3. Jaw
Pain radiating in your jaw can mean more than just a muscle disorder or toothache. In women especially, jaw pain in the left side of the face could be a common sign of a heart attack. Given that you experience a jaw pain along with a chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, wheezing and nausea, do not wait to call for medical help.
4. Neck
Heart attack occurs due to a blood clot that blocks blood flow into the heart muscle. While the discomfort may start from your chest, the pain can spread to your neck over time. While a stiff neck could be a sign of exhaustion, muscle stress and strain or other curable diseases, it could occur due to a heart attack too.
5. Shoulder
When a stinging, discomforting pain travels to your neck, jaw and shoulders from your chest as the starting point, then it could be an indication of a heart attack. That said, call for medical attention, if you experience a crushing pain in your shoulder, especially if it radiates from your chest to the left jaw, arm or neck.
6. Left arm
Considering a heart attack occurs due to a blockage of the blood flow to the heart muscle, it can cause pain in your left arm. While mild aches and pain in the left arm can be a sign of aging, sudden, unusual pain can be an early sign of heart attack and can call for attention.
Remember to act immediately
As and when a person suffers from a heart attack or a cardiac arrest, the immediate response should include a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Notify the nearest medical hospital and contact your doctor immediately.
