Myocardial infarction, also known as acute myocardial infarction, is a serious condition in which myocardial ischemia and necrosis occurs due to blockage of the coronary arteries. It is one of the most common fatal cardiac events and often occurs in middle-aged and elderly people over the age of 40, who are more likely to suffer a heart attack in people who are overworked, have a high-fat diet, and live a high-pressure lifestyle. The onset of a myocardial infarction is sudden and dangerous, so it is important to detect it early and take measures. The following are 6 indicators that describe the signs of a heart attack, hoping to help you deal with it early and reduce the danger.
1.Severe chest pain.
The most typical symptom of a myocardial infarction is intense and persistent chest pain. Patients generally describe it as a deep, heavy pain that often feels like something is pressing against the chest, and a tingling sensation is replaced by a tingling sensation. The pain is usually concentrated in the back of the sternum and sometimes radiates to the left arm, neck and jaw. This is because the blockage of the coronary arteries deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, and the signals that produce pain are transmitted to the relevant nerves.
2.Difficulty breathing and chest tightness.
The heart is the body's pump, and when the coronary arteries are blocked, the heart's ability to receive oxygen is weakened, resulting in a lack of oxygen throughout the body. At this time, the body will feel shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. Because the heart cannot pump blood properly, the body's oxygen** decreases, making some people often feel out of breath.
3.Cold sweats and nausea and vomiting.
Because myocardial ischemia caused by myocardial infarction, the body responds to stress through the autonomic nervous system. Sympathetic activation can lead to a series of physiological reactions, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as symptoms such as cold sweats. In addition, sympathetic activation can cause some changes in the digestive system, the most common of which is nausea and vomiting. The appearance of these symptoms is a self-protective response of the body to a myocardial infarction.
4.Fatigue and decreased physical strength.
After a myocardial infarction, the lack of oxygen to the myocardium causes a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood, which leads to a decrease in the ability of the blood** organs. Due to this lack of blood**, patients often feel general weakness and significant physical strength. An unintentional light touch can be overwhelming.
5.Abnormal heartbeats and palpitations.
A heart attack can cause an erratic heart rhythm, leading to irregular heartbeats and palpitations. This is because the lack of oxygen and the increase in damage to the heart muscle lead to abnormalities in the heart's electrical signaling. Some people may already have an irregular heartbeat in the days or weeks before the heart attack.
6.Unexplained feelings of anxiety and fear.
During a myocardial infarction, the secretion of adrenaline in the body increases, which is due to the action of the sympathetic nervous system. The release of these hormones can lead to mood changes, and patients may experience feelings of anxiety, fear, and even a sense of loss of control. The appearance of these psychiatric abnormalities is often described by patients with a heart attack.
It is important to know the signs of these heart attacks, as they can help to detect and get them early. If you or someone close to you is experiencing any of the above signs, see your doctor as soon as possible and tell your doctor about your symptoms so that they can be treated as soon as possible.
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References: 1Chinese Cardiovascular Disease Report 2020, Health Commission.