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Copywriting丨Health science popularization base camp
Editor丨Health Science Base Camp
There is an invisible killer lurking around us at all times, which may push us to the end of life at any time - that is, heart attack. Many people think that a heart attack came suddenly and without warning.
In fact, heart attacks often give us warning signs, but most people ignore these subtle signs. In this article, we'll reveal 6 often overlooked parts of the body that can be a precursor to a heart attack.
After reading this article, you will be surprised to know that heart attack is so close to us, and how easy it is to prevent it.
The heart is the body's engine and is responsible for transporting oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to various organs throughout the body. When the coronary arteries are blocked, resulting in myocardial ischemia and hypoxia, myocardial infarction, commonly known as "myocardial infarction", is triggered.
A heart attack is a fatal heart attack that can take a person's life in a short period of time. According to statistics, millions of people die from heart attacks worldwide every year. What is even more worrying is that the age of onset of myocardial infarction tends to be younger, and young people in their 30s may also become victims of myocardial infarction.
What are the warning signs of a heart attack? Let's demystify these 6 body parts with frequent pain.
1. Chest pain
Chest pain is one of the most typical symptoms of a heart attack. Many patients describe the pain as being trampled by an elephant or being tightened by an iron hoop. The pain usually lasts more than 5 minutes and is located behind the sternum or in the left side of the chest.
Some people may feel pressure, tightness, or burning sensation in the chest. It is important to note that not all chest pain means a heart attack. While ordinary chest pain usually changes with a change in body position or breathing, chest pain caused by a heart attack is more persistent and severe.
A 58-year-old patient described his experience as follows: "I was mruning flowers and plants in the yard that morning when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest, like someone had hit me hard with a hammer.
I thought it was too tiring to work, and I would be fine after a short rest. Who knew that the pain was getting worse and worse, and I realized that something was wrong and rushed my family to take me to the hospital. The doctor said I almost missed the golden rescue time. "
2. Pain in the left arm
Pain in the left arm is another common precursor to a heart attack. This pain often starts in the chest and gradually spreads to the left arm. Some people experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in their left arm. It is important to note that this pain is usually not aggravated or relieved by pressing or movement.
A 45-year-old female patient recalled: "I was in a meeting that day and suddenly I felt a tingling pain in my left arm that spread from my shoulder to my fingers. I didn't pay much attention to it, thinking it was caused by the wrong posture.
It wasn't until I started to feel a dull pain in my chest that I realized something might be wrong. Luckily, I was able to seek medical attention in time and avoid more serious consequences. "
3. Jaw pain
Jaw pain may seem unrelated to the heart, but it can indeed be a sign of a heart attack. This pain usually starts in the chest and then spreads up to the throat and jaw. Some people mistake it for a toothache or temporomandibular joint disorder.
A 62-year-old male patient shared his experience: "That night I was getting ready to go to bed when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my jaw. I thought it was a tooth problem and planned to go to the dentist the next day.
Who knew that waking up in the middle of the night would be filled with increased pain, accompanied by chest tightness and sweating. Fortunately, my wife insisted on taking me to the hospital, only to find out that it was a precursor to a heart attack. "
4. Back pain
Back pain, especially between the upper back and shoulder blades, can also be a sign of a heart attack. This pain is often mistaken for a muscle strain or a spine problem. However, if back pain is accompanied by chest tightness, shortness of breath or other uncomfortable symptoms, you should be alert to a possible heart problem.
A 50-year-old teacher described her experience as follows: "I was grading my homework that day when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my back, like I had been kicked hard. I thought it was a low back pain caused by long-term desk work, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
It wasn't until later that I experienced chest tightness and cold sweats that I realized that something might be wrong with my heart. "
5. Neck pain
Neck pain can also be a sign of a heart attack. This pain usually starts in the chest and then spreads up to the neck and throat. Some people mistake it for cervical spondylosis or laryngitis.
A 55-year-old company executive recalled: "I was meeting an important project deadline that day when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my neck. I thought it was a cervical spine problem caused by working on the computer for a long time, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
It wasn't until later that I developed chest tightness and difficulty breathing that I realized the seriousness of the situation. "
6. Tooth pain
Tooth pain may seem unrelated to the heart, but it can indeed be an unusual sign of a heart attack. This pain is usually concentrated in the lower or upper jaw teeth and can be mistaken for a regular toothache.
A 60-year-old retired teacher shared his experience: "I was watching TV that day when I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my upper teeth. I thought it was tooth decay from eating too many sweets and was going to see a dentist the next day.
Who knew that waking up in the middle of the night would not only worsen the toothache, but also be accompanied by chest tightness and sweating. Fortunately, I sought medical attention in time and found out that it was a precursor to a heart attack. "
Knowing that pain in these 6 areas may indicate a heart attack, we can better protect our heart health. Preventing a heart attack is not just about recognizing these symptoms, but more importantly about adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, choose whole grains and lean meats, and limit your intake of foods high in fat, salt and sugar.
The Eastern Mediterranean diet, considered one of the most heart-healthy dietary patterns, emphasizes the consumption of olive oil, nuts, fish, vegetables and fruits while limiting red meat intake.
Regular exercise is an effective way to protect your heart. Get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Exercise not only helps with weight control, but also improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol is also an important measure to prevent myocardial infarction. Smoking damages the endothelium of blood vessels and increases the risk of thrombosis. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and other problems. If you are smoking, quit as soon as possible; If you have a drinking habit, keep it to no more than one drink a day.
Maintaining a good quality of sleep should not be neglected. Getting enough sleep can help the body repair and recover, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night and establish a regular sleep schedule.
Regular medical check-ups are just as important as timely medical attention. With regular check-ups, we can detect potential cardiovascular problems early. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, do not hesitate to seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment within the golden treatment time of myocardial infarction (within 6 hours of onset) can greatly improve the survival rate and prognostic quality.
A heart attack, while scary, is not unpreventable. By paying attention to the subtle changes in our bodies and adopting a healthy lifestyle, we can completely avoid the threat of heart attack and live a wonderful life. Let's work together to take care of our hearts and let the boat of life sail in a healthy ocean.
Your health is in your own hands. Listen to the voice of the body, care for your heart, let us welcome a better and healthier tomorrow together!
The above content is for reference only, if you feel unwell, please consult a medical professional. If you like it, you can pay attention to it, share health knowledge every day, and be your exclusive online doctor.
Resources:
Department of Cardiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Zhang Haicheng There is a precursor to myocardial infarction, and the first aid is critical for 6 hours