The signs can appear slowly, and can differ between men and women.
Following the outbreak of coronavirus, many people in need of medical care are waiting too long to go to the hospital out of fear of contracting the virus. Recently, a man in Toronto ignored the signs of heart attack for two weeks and a result, he ended up needing an emergency quadruple bypass that could have been avoided if he had acted sooner. On top of that, by staying home and worrying about his condition, he added stress to an already unhealthy situation.
Unfortunately, these types of stories are now all too common at every hospital.
Don’t Miss a Beat…Get Screened
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States and one in five of those are “silent,” showing few, if any, symptoms. A heart attack can start slowly, with mild pain of discomfort, but can quickly become lethal. Symptoms can vary between men and women with women, but the most common symptoms are:
- Pain, tightness or pressure in your chest
- Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain
- Pain that spreads to the arm or the left side of the body.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Throat or jaw pain
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the hands, feet and ankles
The best way to avoid having a heart attack is to get screened by your doctor on a regular basis, and monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol. You can also lower your risk by quitting smoking, exercising, and eating a well-balanced diet.
Being aware of the symptoms of a heart attack is important, but only if you don’t ignore them. Call 9-1-1 if you experience any warning sings. Fast action can save lives - including yours.
Need a physician? Call 914-849-MyMD to find the right provider for your needs or visit our online physician directory.
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