Do you know how to spot the signs of a heart attack in yourself or a loved one? It’s critical to be able to identify a heart attack quickly to get help as fast as possible, and McLaren Greater Lansing is here to help you be better equipped to do it.
The most common signs of a heart attack can start in your chest. “Usually a patient will describe fullness or pressure in their chest, along with pain,” said Dr. Ibrahim Shah, Interventional Cardiologist at McLaren Greater Lansing. “Discomfort can radiate to your shoulders, arms, between your shoulder blades, and even your jaw.”
Chest pain and discomfort can come along with other key warning signs. “Shortness of breath, lightheadedness and dizziness, as well as profuse sweating are usually associated with heart attacks,” Dr. Shah said.
Women can experience different symptoms than men, and sometimes won’t show many of the signs typically associated with heart attacks in males. “Women are more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain as their main symptom,” said
Dr. Shah.
It’s also important to know your risk factors for heart attack, and to start working to change the ones that you have control over. “The older you get, the more likely it is that you are at risk for a heart attack,” said Dr. Shah. “If you have a family history of heart attack, your genetic makeup means you’re predisposed to having cardiovascular disease, also, men are at a higher risk of heart attack than women.”
There are ways you can start lowering your risk of a heart attack right now. “Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, anger, and stress are all risk factors that can be modified,” said Dr. Shah. “Getting a regular checkup can help you take steps to address those risks.”
To find a doctor, or learn more about how you can lower your risk for heart attack, visit mclaren.org/lansingproviders today!
Source: Press Release
