Although the mortality rate associated with heart attacks has declined in France, this problem affects 120,000 people per year and is the cause of several deaths. Thus, knowing the precursory symptoms of this disease, is important to prevent fatal consequences. Of course, heart attacks are often silent, but some distinct signs can help detect them in advance.
According to WHO statistics, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world. 4 out of 5 of these deaths occur as a result of a heart attack.
The heart attack corresponds to the death of an area of the heart muscle, because of the interruption of the blood circulation to the heart. This blockage of blood flow is due to the obstruction of a coronary artery following the formation of blood clots or the accumulation of atheromatous plaques.
This problem can have serious consequences on health and cause damage whose severity varies depending on the duration of the interruption of blood flow.
Heart attacks typically affect women between the ages of 65 and 70, as well as men from the age of 50, but they can also occur in younger people. Indeed, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2012, the number of women under age 60 affected by heart attacks in France has increased in recent years: 11.8% in 1995 against 25.5 % In 2010. The same study also pointed out that mortality from heart attacks has dropped significantly (70% in 15 years).
Causes of heart attacks:
Heart attacks can be caused by a combination of factors:
- Smoking
- The stress
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Diabetes
These are all factors that affect overall health and the health of the heart in particular.
Symptoms of heart attack:
Intense chest pain is the most common symptom of heart attacks, but other signs may also reveal this problem. Note, however, that symptoms may vary considerably by gender. In women, they are much less distinct and can be described in different ways, leading to a poor diagnosis. This is why it is important to know these telltale signs, which can save lives.
Here are the 5 signs of a heart attack that should not be overlooked:
Chest pain:
Chest pain is the most common symptom. This is manifested by a feeling of heaviness in the chest accompanied by pressure and intense pain.
It should be noted that the chest pain due to heart attacks is persistent and does not disappear quickly.
Pains and discomfort in the upper body:
The pain felt in the chest can spread and touch the jaw, neck, shoulder, an arm (especially left) and back.
Obviously, these signs can evoke several other diseases, but when accompanied by chest pain, it is important to call the emergencies.
Tiredness :
It is also common for victims of heart attacks to experience unusual fatigue and dizziness.
Difficulty breathing:
Feeling sudden respiratory discomfort and shortness of breath can also reveal a heart attack, especially if these two signs are accompanied by fatigue.
Nausea :
Symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting or pain reminiscent of heartburn, may be related to digestive disorders, as they may reveal a heart attack.
Other symptoms of heart attack not to be ignored:
- The palpitations
- Sweating
- Anxiety and agitation
How to prevent heart attacks?
To prevent heart attacks as well as many other health problems, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. WHO confirms that eating healthy and balanced, playing sports regularly and avoiding smoking can help prevent up to 80% of heart attacks.
Healthy eating :
Having a balanced diet is essential for heart health. A healthy diet is based on natural foods rich in nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats ... and excludes any processed product. It is also advisable to reduce its intake of sugar, salt, bad fats and alcohol.
Play sports :
Sport does not allow that to keep the line, but also to preserve heart health. Indeed, practicing sports every day for 30 minutes helps to keep the heart healthy.
It is also advisable to avoid tobacco consumption and control its blood pressure, both factors increasing the risk of heart attack.