By: Lisa G. Wehe, FNP-BC, MSN, APRN
The next time your heart skips a beat or flutters, it may not be because of Cupid’s mystical arrow aiming towards your heart or from the attractive person admiring you. It may be your heart telling you it is hurting and something is wrong.
February is heart health awareness month to promote better understanding of the possible symptoms you may be experiencing. Heart disease remains on the top of the list as a threat to our well being and shortens the life span of many.
According to the Best cardiologist, heart disease encompasses an umbrella of different illnesses that affect the heart and how it pumps. This article focuses to symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI), heart attack.
Over time plaque builds up in the small vessels, which causes narrowing of the arteries that supply oxygen and blood to the heart. When a complete blockage occurs, a heart attack ensues.
The location of the heart attack depends on which artery is affected. If not treated promptly, permanent damage can occur to the heart muscle, leaving it weak. Without oxygen supply to the heart, tissue dies. Time is critical in seeking emergency medical treatment.
Symptoms vary from person to person and women in particular often times do not have a typical presentation of chest pain. Common symptoms include crushing pain across the chest like an elephant is sitting on you, radiating down the left arm, neck or shoulder discomfort, or nausea.
Shortness of breath and fatigue and sometimes jaw pain can be associated with a heart attack. Women often just feel indigestion that won’t go away.
If you are not sure if you or a family member may be having a heart attack, it is always best to have it checked out because early prevention can prevent permanent damage to the heart.
Prevention is always better than treating afterwards. Keeping active, managing your diet and limiting foods that contribute to plaque build up may reduce your risk of having a heart attack.
Regular checkups with periodic labs to check your cholesterol provides information and risks factors that may increase your risk. By simply doing a quick search for “Cardiologist Near Me” you can find a health professional that can provide you will all the information you need.
Smoking leads to hypertension and the nicotine causes the vessels to constrict.
Over time, this places more work on the heart which can lead to heart problems. Weight loss reduces stress on the heart.
Depression is loosely correlated with an increased risk for having a heart attack. Broken Heart Syndrome is real. Seek help if you suffer from depression.
While there are some things that we cannot change such as genetics, lifestyle changes greatly influence one’s health.
Schedule your appointment today and have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked, learn more about cardiology specialists of the carolinas.
