How-to reconize a Heart Attack
Recognizing symptoms of heart-attack is important as timely intervention can save a life. Even if the delay does not lead to loss of life, the heart function may not be as efficient if timely invention was sought.
During a heart-attack, the heart tissue is dying due to reduced or absent blood flow because of a clot in the blood vessel supplying blood to the heart tissue itself.
A delay of more than an hour may make it difficult to save the dying heart tissue. Delay leads to more of the heart tissue dying thus limiting the restoration of the heart function.
People deny that anything is wrong with them. They are also afraid of making a fuss or feeling embarrassed if all turns out well.
NOT ALL CHEST DISCOMFORTS ARE DUE TO INDIGESTION. GIVE YOURSELF A BENEFIT OF DOUBT. DO NOT WASTE PRECIOUS TIME. Any symptom listed below should call for an emergency help.
SYMPTOMS OF HEART-ATTACK IN MEN:
1. Uncomfortable pressure, tightness or pain in the center of the chest or on the left side of the chest. The symptoms may range from mild to severe and may come and go.
2. The discomfort or pain may radiate to the arms, neck, jaws, back or stomach.
3. There may be intense sweating alongwith the chest discomfort or pain.
4. There may be shortness of breath, light headedness, nausea or even vomiting.
SYMPTOMS OF HEART-ATTACK IN WOMEN: Women may get chest pain or discomfort but that is not the obvious symptom.
1. Unusual fatigue.
2. Dizziness or light-headedness
3. Nausea or indigestion
4. Abdominal discomfort
5. Pressure or tightness or ache in the neck, shoulder or upper back.
NOTE:
* In a diabetic, the symptom may be fewer and felt mildly or none at all. When no symptoms are felt, it is called as Silent Heart-Attack.
* If a diabetic notices any of the above symptoms even in its mildest form, he/she should rush.
* Have prior arrangements with a nearby hospital (having facilities for heart care) for timely intervention.
