9 Warning Signs That Might Predict A Heart Attack A Month In Advance

Dec 11, 2018 by apost team

Heart attacks are among the leading causes of death in the United States. Naturally, people take great measures to avoid this fate. While eating healthy, refraining from drinking and eating health are great options, some people are still at a higher risk for suffering a heart attack. Fortunately, the human body comes hardwired with warning signs to signal when a heart attack is coming.

A study conducted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health discovered that women experience heart attacks much differently than men. The actual symptoms of this reaction differ between the two sexes. Scientists from the College of Nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences found that chest pain isn't one of the most common symptoms of a heart attack for women. Instead, symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue were reported by a majority of the participants. Furthermore, almost 80% of the participants reported experiencing one or more symptoms a month before the heart attack.

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Common symptoms of a heart attack for women include:

• unusual fatigue lasting for long periods of time or sudden, intense fatigue
• disturbances in sleep
• overall anxiety
• shortness of breath
• indigestion
• upper back, shoulder, or throat pain
• pain in the jaw area
• pain or pressure in the center of the chest that may spread to the arm
• lightheadedness

In a  2012 survey conducted by the American Heart Association, only 65% of women reported that they would call 911 if they thought they were experiencing a heart attack. It will be too late to wait until you're positive about the heart attack. Emergency services aren't only for certain circumstances.

You should contact 911, even when you think that a heart attack may be happening. Waiting to make the call may end up being a fatal mistake. Patients should even be confident enough to receive a second opinion if their primary healthcare provider doesn't offer a good diagnosis.

When entering into their 50s, women experience many changes within their body. Most significantly, this is the time when menopause begins. This comes with a host of changes including a significant drop in estrogen levels. Many scientists believe that estrogen aids in protecting the heart.

During menopause, a woman's chances of having a heart attack increase. Unfortunately, women are less likely to survive a heart attack than men. It is critical for women to watch their symptoms and take all necessary precautions to prevent a heart attack.

Here are a few other symptoms that women over 50 may experience during a heart attack:

• severe chest pain
• discomfort or pain in the back, stomach, jaw, and one or both arms
• irregular or rapid heartbeat
• sweating

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have estimated that some 200,000 Americans experience a heart attack without even realizing an issue. These heart attacks are dubbed "silent" because they are not accompanied by the normal symptoms. Experiencing these silent heart attacks can increase a person's likelihood of having more in the future.

Although the symptoms are not as obvious, silent heart attacks still come with a few warning signs:

• mild discomfort in your arms, chest, or jaw that disappears after resting
• tiring easily and shortness of breath
• sleep disturbances and increased fatigue
• abdominal pain or heartburn
• skin clamminess

Were you aware of all of these symptoms or did this article teach you something new? Let us know in the comments and be sure to spread the word about this - it sure is important!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!