Watch out for these 6 warning signs of a heart attack one month before

September 23, 2016

Cardiovascular diseases or heart diseases have been the leading cause of death for both men and women all over the world for many years now. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 17.5 million people died from CVDs in 2012, representing 31% of all global deaths.

People with cardiovascular disease or who are at high cardiovascular risk due to the presence of one or more risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia or an already established disease need early detection and management, the WHO said.

This means everyone should know what symptoms to look for before becoming a victim. A sub-par diet paired with a stressful lifestyle is a catalyst for heart attacks.

Leading a healthy lifestyle with less stress is critical in protecting yourself from this deadly illness, and knowing the key symptoms for a heart attack one month before it happens can be crucial in saving lives.
Here are the six warning signs of heart attack to watch out for:

1. Body Weakness
This is one of the key symptoms to look out for. Your body will feel weaker as your arteries begin to narrow, which means less blood will flow and circulate through your body. This will lead to weakened muscles that could cause you to fall more easily. Be careful if you start to experience body weakness as this symptom is a big red flag for heart attacks.

2. Dizziness and Cold Sweats
Experiencing dizziness and cold sweats is a big sign that something is terribly wrong with your body. As your blood flow decreases, a portion of the blood flow to your brain is also cut off. The restricted blood flow to the brain will result in you feeling clammy and unwell. Your brain needs adequate blood flow to operate properly and keep you feeling healthy. These symptoms indicate that a heart attack could be right around the corner.

3. Chest Pressure
Chest pain or discomfort is one of the major warning signs of an impending heart attack. The chest pain or pressure you may be experiencing will only increase as the potential heart attack nears. However, the pain can also drift into other areas of the body, such as the arms, back and shoulders. If you are experiencing chest pressure or any kind of pain or discomfort, it will be better to get that checked out by a medical practitioner right away.

4. Cold or Flu
Cold and flu-like symptoms may also pose as symptoms of a coming heart attack. Many people who have had heart attacks describe suffering from cold or flu-like symptoms just before having a heart attack.

5. Fatigue
Constantly feeling tired is a big indicator for a heart attack as it is brought on by low blood flow to the heart. Your heart receives less blood when your arteries begin to constrict. When this happens, the heart needs to work a lot harder than usual to pump blood throughout your body. If you’re left feeling overexerted and tired, you should get checked out by your doctor.

6. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is another indication that a heart attack may be on the horizon. When the arteries narrow and blood flow is decreased, your lungs aren’t able to get the blood flow they need to work properly. Your heart and lungs work together, and if one system isn’t working properly, it affects the other. So, if you’re experiencing shortness of breath, it could be a red flag that a heart attack is in the near future.

All these symptoms may be useful in predicting a future heart attack, but getting the proper help you need is also vital for protecting yourself. Leading a healthier, low-stress lifestyle is also extremely helpful for keeping heart attacks at bay. The WHO also encourages going to medical professionals for healthcare interventions such as counseling and medication.

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