According to the Government of Canada, heart disease caused 48,000 deaths in Canada alone in 2012. Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada. About 2.4 million Canadians over the age of 20 have ischemic heart disease.
6 Early Warning Symptoms of Heart Attack
Heart attack can result from heart disease. Mayo Clinic staff wrote,
“A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, most often by a build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries). The interrupted blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.”
While treatments for heart attack have improved over the years, a heart attack can still be fatal. A key to mitigating the damage heart attack can do is to recognize its early warning signs such as these (reported by the Mayo Clinic):
1) Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
2) Cold sweat
3) Fatigue
4) Shortness of breath
5) Abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, or heartburn
6) “Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back.”
Take a moment to read over these early warning signs of a heart attack several times. Knowing what they are can save your life or the life of someone else.
“The earliest warning (of a heart attack) may be recurrent chest pain (angina) that’s triggered by exertion and relieved by rest.” — The Mayo Clinic
What To Do If You Experience Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
In some cases, it’s hard to tell if you are having a heart attack. In general, the more signs of heart attack that you experience simultaneously, the greater the chance that you are experiencing a heart attack. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so err on the side of caution and call emergency medical services if there is any question in your mind that you are having a heart attack.
Easy Ways to Prevent Heart Disease
Heart disease can cause heart attack. Many people at risk of developing heart disease don’t understand the power they have to prevent it. These simple actions, suggested by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, go a long way in staving off heart disease:
- Don’t smoke
- Get sufficient amounts of sleep
- Control stress
- Manage diabetes
- Get to a healthy weight and stay there
- Eat healthy foods
- Exercise regularly
- Keep alcohol to a minimum
These actions not only prevent heart disease, but they also promote general good health. A physiotherapist can help you implement these tips.
Live near Winnipeg? Want to fortify yourself against heart disease and heart attack by participating in a physiotherapy program? If so, contact Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics.