Although acute myocardial infarction is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, where every minute is vital, in many cases, the body gives warning signals days or even weeks in advance. These signs should be evaluated without delay by a health professional.
What happens during a heart attack?
During a heart attack, the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become blocked. One of the main causes is the progressive narrowing and hardening of the arteries, otherwise known as coronary artery disease. This process develops slowly, so symptoms may appear before a complete blockage occurs.
Warning signs that should not be ignored
The most common warning symptom is angina – a feeling of pain, pressure or tightness in the chest, often accompanied by difficulty breathing. If this occurs during physical activity (such as walking or climbing stairs) and goes away with rest, it is very important to consult a doctor.
Also, even milder signs can be alarm signals, especially when they last for several days:
-Difficulty climbing stairs or doing usual activities for more than two weeks
-Unexplained weakness
-Difficulty breathing without apparent cause
-Excessive fatigue, incompatible with physical activity
When the situation becomes critical
The risk increases when symptoms appear suddenly, even at rest. This may indicate that an impending heart attack is very likely. At this stage, rapid response is crucial. Typical symptoms are:
-Pain or pressure in the chest (or behind the breastbone) that lasts more than 5 minutes
-Pain that spreads to the arm (especially the left), upper abdomen, back, neck, jaw, or shoulder
-Feeling of weight, compression or "blockage" in the chest
-Burning in the chest that can be confused with heartburn.
In women, symptoms may be more "hidden"
In women, heart attack symptoms may differ from the classic symptoms. Non-specific signs often appear, such as:
-Pain in the upper abdomen (similar to stomach ache)
-Nausea or vomiting
-Dizziness
-Feeling faint
-Great and unexplained fatigue
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