ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

8 warning signs of heart attack to not ignore

Cardiovascular diseases of one kind or another are prevalent in almost half the population of the world, where the country alone records nearly 805,000 cases of heart attacks annually. This huge number indicates how important it is for people to be aware of the warning signs to get timely treatment and assistance. Once people know what signs to look out for, the chances of heart attacks or other undiagnosed heart conditions can decrease significantly.

Chest discomfort or pain
Chest discomfort or pain is one of the key warning signs that should not be ignored under any circumstances. One might experience tightness, heaviness, or strong squeezing in the chest. This can be due to the cholesterol build-up that has caused the narrowing of the arteries and veins. A tighter space would also mean the heart has a limited blood supply and functioning capacity. Even if one experiences a mild variation of this symptom, one should speak to the doctor or visit the ER as soon as possible. Chest discomfort, especially when resting, can be a worrisome sign.

Fatigue
Sometimes, one may feel tired and worn out from day-to-day activities. These tasks may not require much effort, but suddenly, they become challenging to complete. This can be as simple as carrying groceries or walking a few steps. If one experiences difficulty, it is important to visit the doctor immediately. These seemingly insignificant changes can be a severe warning sign, and timely intervention may be able to help prevent a heart attack.
It’s important to remember that unexplained and extreme fatigue or exhaustion can be an indication of heart disease. So, if one experiences unexplained weakness that persists for several days, seek medical attention immediately.

Nausea
It is common for some people to experience knots in their stomachs before having a heart attack, which can lead to nausea or vomiting. This is one of the warning signs to look out for. Women are more likely to experience nausea than men. However, an upset stomach is not always a sign of a heart attack. It can also be caused by something as simple as food poisoning. Nevertheless, it is always better to get checked and have the condition assessed, especially if at risk of heart complications. Nausea should not be overlooked as mere heartburn or indigestion; it should be taken seriously.

Dizziness
One should be cautious if one starts experiencing lightheadedness or a blackout. According to research, this sign is more prominent in women than men. If one experiences difficulty standing or performing a task that requires being on the feet for an extended period, it could be a sign of dizziness. Additionally, if one feels like the room is spinning or the vision is becoming blurry, it could also be a sign of dizziness. These are all warning signs that the body may be indicating a potential heart attack. If one experiences these symptoms, seeking medical attention immediately is essential for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Shortness of breath
One of the warning signs of a heart problem is difficulty performing simple physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs or doing mild physical activity, which can cause shortness of breath. Climbing up a flight of stairs should not make an individual feel like they have just finished a marathon. If one experiences shortness of breath after such activities, it may indicate that the heart cannot pump blood effectively. Shortness of breath can occur with or without chest pain and can be a sign of a silent heart attack.

Pain in the arm
Another hallmark symptom is arm pain. In most patients, the pain can be described as a shooting sensation that radiates on the left side down to the fingers. The epicenter of this pain, in most cases, is the chest. The pain moves in an outward fashion, which then radiates on the left side of the patient. However, sometimes, patients visit the doctor complaining of severe pain in their arms, which later can turn out to be a heart attack.

Swollen extremities
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet is a symptom that indicates inadequate blood flow to these body parts. This can occur when the heart cannot pump sufficient blood throughout the body, leading to bloating. If heart problems persist, they can also affect the kidneys, causing the body to retain excess water, sodium, and other minerals that should be eliminated. It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience swelling in these areas, as it can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.

Irregular heartbeat
Physical activity, nervousness, and excitement can alter the normal pattern of one’s heartbeat. However, if an individual experiences unexplained palpitations or missing beats without apparent reason, they should consult a doctor. If the irregular heartbeat persists along with other warning signs such as dizziness, nausea, or discomfort, it may cause concern. It is essential to note that an irregular heartbeat can indicate a range of causes, from excess caffeine consumption to atrial fibrillation. To determine the cause and seek appropriate treatment, it is recommended to speak with a doctor.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.