Most of us may have an idea about what someone suffering from a heart attack looks like. Pretty much, most of us will see in the movies a person clutching at their hearts, having a strong, abrupt pain in their chest. While some heart attacks happen very suddenly, some may also start slow with pain and discomfort. This said, it’s important to recognize the symptoms hours before they realize they have a heart attack.

Recognizing these signs can help save critical seconds that can lead to a fatal heart attack.

• Chest discomfort. The chest pain associated with a heart attack can sometimes be squeezing, or a feeling of fullness.
• Pain or discomfort throughout the body. Signs of an impending heart attack can also be felt in other parts of the body such as in the neck, arms, jaw, or back.
• Shortness of breath. Having shortness of breath, along with the above symptoms can also be a sign of a heart attack
• Nausea. Vomiting, light headedness, and cold sweat are also symptoms of an impending heart attack when it occurs with the other symptoms.

There are also different heart attacks that you need to know:

• NSTEMI heart attacks happen when the blood flowing through the coronary artery to the heart is severely restricted, though not necessarily or entirely blocked.
• Demand Ischemia is another type when there are no blockages in the arteries, but then the heart needs more oxygen than the body can supply.
• Silent Heart Attacks happen without the person knowing it.
• Coronary Artery Spasm occurs when an artery wall tightens and the blood flowing to the heart is restricted.
• A cardiac arrest happens when a person’s heart stops beating.

It’s important to understand the role of early detection to saving a life as well as preventing damage to the brain, body, and the heart itself. Therefore, if you see someone you know having any of the abovementioned symptoms occurring simultaneously, seek medical help immediately.

Heart health can be a huge concern as we age. A trusted team from Blessed Home can help your aging loved ones manage their heart conditions as well as remind them to take adequate and timely medication, accompany them through appointments, and support their diet and health regimens. Our goal at Blessed Home is to allow your loved ones to have a means to continue enjoying life and find dignity and joy through their golden years.

Talk to us today!