Heart attack symptoms - seven signs you should be aware of
HEART attack symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, and sweating. These are the signs of a myocardial infarction that you should be aware of, and when to phone for an ambulance.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is caused by the blood supply to the heart becoming blocked, according to the NHS.
It’s a medical emergency that you should dial 999 for, if you suspect you, or someone else, is having a heart attack.
Heart attacks are most likely to be caused by coronary heart disease (CHD).
CHD is a condition where cholesterol blocks up the major blood vessels in the body.
These are the signs of a heart attack you should be aware of.
Heart attack symptoms: Signs include chest pain, dizziness and sweating
Severe chest pain could be a sign of a heart attack.
The pain may feel like a sensation of intense pressure on the centre of your chest.
Pain could spread to other parts of the body, too. The left arm is usually affected, although it can affect both of them.
Other heart attack symptoms include dizziness, sweating and a shortness of breath.
Patients may experience an overwhelming sense of anxiety; similar to having a panic attack.
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Vomiting, coughing or wheezing are also warning signs of a heart attack.
“If you suspect the symptoms of a heart attack, dial 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
“Don't worry if you have doubts. Paramedics would rather be called out to find an honest mistake has been made than be too late to save a person's life.
“If someone has had a heart attack, it's important to rest while they wait for an ambulance, to avoid unnecessary strain on the heart.
“If aspirin is easily available and the person who has had a heart attack isn't allergic to it, slowly chew and then swallow an adult-sized tablet [300mg] while waiting for the ambulance.”
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You can lower your risk of a heart attack by making small lifestyle changes.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is crucial to maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Eating high-fat foods regularly causes fatty plaques to build up in your arteries.
Having high blood pressure increases your chances of a myocardial infarction.
You can lower blood pressure by cutting down on salt and alcohol, and by maintaining a healthy weight.