Health is an important issue that no one can afford to overlook. Amidst the fast-paced lifestyle, heart attacks, a major cardiac disease, have increasingly become a focal point of public concern. Many people may not realize that heart attacks typically do not occur without warning; they are often preceded by abnormal signals in different parts of the body. Let’s learn about these early warning signs so we can act promptly to protect our heart health.
Take Mr. Li’s experience for example. As a busy professional often working under high pressure and staying late at the office, he began to experience chest pressure and pain, especially after exertion. At first, he thought it was just ordinary discomfort due to overwork and did not take it seriously. However, one day he suddenly suffered intense chest pain and was rushed to emergency care, where he realized he had a heart attack. Fortunately, with timely medical treatment, Mr. Li was safe in the end. This experience reminds us that any unexplained discomfort should not be ignored, and the early signs of a heart attack must be taken seriously.
Heart attacks may be heralded by the following body changes:
- Chest discomfort: Including chest tightness and pain, which are among the most typical precursors of a heart attack. These symptoms can last several minutes to hours and sometimes temporarily relieve after rest or using nitroglycerin. However, not all heart attack patients will experience chest pain.
- Upper abdominal discomfort: Heart attack patients may also experience upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which can be easily confused with other gastrointestinal diseases. When encountering these symptoms, the possibility of heart attack should also be considered.
- Discomfort in the neck, lower jaw, and throat: Pain or discomfort in these areas can also be a sign of a heart attack. When the heart experiences ischemia, the pain signals can be transmitted to these areas through nerves.
- Discomfort in the left arm and left shoulder: The patient may feel pain or numbness on the inside of the left arm and left shoulder, which is also related to the propagation of pain signals during cardiac ischemia.
Heart attack is a life-threatening cardiovascular condition, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to complications like myocardial necrosis, arrhythmia, or even sudden death. Therefore, facing the early signs of a heart attack, we must take them seriously and swiftly seek medical intervention.
To prevent heart attacks, we can start by improving our diet and lifestyle. Here are several suggestions for a heart-healthy lifestyle:
- Mediterranean diet: This dietary approach emphasizes olive oil, nuts, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, which are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Moderate exercise: It’s recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc. Active exercise helps to enhance cardiopulmonary function and promote blood circulation, effectively preventing heart attacks.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol can have a negative impact on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart attacks. Eliminating these habits is crucial for maintaining heart health.
In addition, regular health check-ups to detect and control potential risks such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia are equally important. Maintaining a good mood and getting plenty of rest are vital for preventing myocardial infarction.
Cherish life, starting with the heart; pay attention to physical abnormalities, and stay away from the threat of myocardial infarction. Please remember that health is our most precious wealth. Let us arm ourselves with knowledge and safeguard our heart health!
In the days to come, may every reader have a healthy and happy life. Let’s join hands and contribute to a healthy China!
