How To Know If You Are Having A Heart Attack?

Despite various advancements in the medical sector, diseases are on the rise. Did you know Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide?¹

According to the World Health Organization, CVD accounts for nearly 17.9 million deaths every year, especially among the younger generation.² Heart diseases have also found a way to affect the younger population, shifting from their usual target of the elderly. The news is often filled with reports of young people collapsing in the gym or while dancing. Having a heart attack at age 25, 30, 35 and so on is not uncommon anymore. Unfortunately, this alarming trend is set to increase as unhealthy lifestyles become increasingly popular among the youth.

Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, occur when a blood clot suddenly blocks blood flow to the heart. Time is of the essence when it comes to a heart attack, as the quicker the response, the better the outcome. Recognising the symptoms of a heart attack and getting immediate medical attention is essential for minimising heart damage and increasing the chances of survival.

In this article, we'll talk about heart attacks, their causes, risk factors, whether health insurance covers them, etc.

What Is A Heart Attack?

For the heart to function properly, it must be constantly supplied with healthy amounts of oxygen and nourishment. A system of blood vessels called coronary arteries surrounding the heart does this job. However, fatty deposits or substances called plaque form on the walls of the coronary arteries due to unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyles.

Without proper lifestyle changes, this plaque buildup can result in blocked arteries leading to a serious heart condition called cardiac ischemia, a condition in which the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. Without proper diagnosis and intervention, the consequences of cardiac ischemia can be life-threatening - leading to a heart attack.

What Are The Causes Of A Heart Attack?

Listed below are some of the underlying causes of a heart attack -

1️⃣Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The major cause behind heart attacks is coronary artery disease (CAD). As mentioned earlier, the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients available to the heart muscle. This condition is called coronary artery disease. Without proper care and treatment, CAD can lead to the deadly consequences of a heart attack.

2️⃣Rupture Of Plaque

Sometimes, the plaque in the coronary arteries can rupture, allowing cholesterol and other substances into the bloodstream. In the event of a rupture, a blood clot stops oxygenating blood from reaching the heart. This lack of oxygenated blood in the heart can cause a heart attack, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.

3️⃣Sudden Contraction Of The Coronary Artery

The heart muscle can become immobilised by a severe spasm or sudden contraction of a coronary artery, which leads to a loss of blood flow - leading to a heart attack. This is a less common cause, however.

What Are The Risk Factors For Heart Attack?

Here are some of the major contributing factors to heart attacks -

1. Smoking Long-term use of tobacco can result in heart disease. Smoking causes damage to blood vessels and increases plaque formation - resulting in a greater risk of a heart attack.

2. Obesity Being overweight can contribute to serious health issues due to high cholesterol, triglycerides, high blood pressure, and diabetes. By engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, you can improve your overall well-being and reduce your risk of a heart attack.

3. High Blood Pressure High blood pressure puts pressure on the arterial walls, increasing the chances of damage and plaque buildup. You should monitor your blood pressure frequently and take proper medications if you suffer from high blood pressure.

4. Diabetes Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and heart attacks because increased blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels. Therefore, diabetics need to take proper medication, make lifestyle changes, and monitor their blood sugar levels regularly.

5. Diet A high intake of oily foods can lead to heart disease. Taking an active approach to eating a balanced diet including fruits and vegetables will help to prevent heart disease and also helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

6. Alcohol Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for heart attacks. Therefore, it is important to drink responsibly and in moderation to keep your heart healthy.

7. Family History The risk of heart attacks is increased by genetic heart diseases passed on by ancestors that can neither be controlled nor modified. Therefore, understanding your family's medical history is key to knowing your own risk of developing heart disease.

How To Know If You’re Having A Heart Attack?

Symptoms of a heart attack differ from person to person depending on the severity of the disease. A few patients experience these symptoms clearly, allowing them to seek treatment right away. Unfortunately, for those who experience sudden cardiac arrest without symptoms, there is no warning.

Here are the signs of heart attack you should watch out for:

1. An uncomfortable feeling of pressure and tightness in the chest extending to your arms, neck, jaws, and back area.

2. In most cases, heart attacks are characterised by persistent discomfort in the centre or left side of the chest for a few minutes or that comes and goes. Discomfort is generally felt as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

3. A feeling of nausea, heartburn, indigestion, and pain in the abdomen.

4. Feeling unusually tired and weak.

5. A sudden feeling of dizziness and lightheadedness (more common in women).

6. Cold sweats.

7. Intense anxiety (similar to a panic attack).

8. Wheezing or coughing.

9. Shortness of breath along with chest discomfort. Sometimes, breathing difficulties may also be experienced without chest discomfort, making it especially important to be aware of this symptom.

Important Note:

👉Heart attacks do not always begin with sudden and crushing chest pain. A person having a heart attack may experience a range of symptoms from mild to severe, often weeks or even months before the attack. Furthermore, the symptoms may come and go or fluctuate in intensity.

👉A sudden cardiac arrest is sometimes the first sign of a heart attack. In some cases, chest pain may be only slight, like indigestion, but it can also be severe.

👉Also, the symptoms may be different for men and women. Although chest pain is a common symptom in men and women alike - women are more likely to experience other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, feeling sick, and back or jaw pain.

Did you know heart attacks can occur without any warning? Yes, they are called Silent Heart Attacks. They are particularly concerning as they can go unnoticed and cause severe damage to the heart without warning. People with diabetes and high blood sugar are more likely to suffer silent heart attacks.

How To Prevent A Heart Attack?

Here are some preventative measures that can help you lead a longer, healthier life

• A healthier diet, increased physical activity, smoking cessation, and managing stress can contribute to better heart health. You can make these lifestyle changes with the help of a healthcare team by enrolling in cardiac rehabilitation. They can provide the guidance and support needed to help make these lifestyle modifications that will lead to improved heart health.

• Keep your blood pressure and sugar levels under control by monitoring them regularly.

• Make sure your weight and cholesterol are within the recommended ranges.

• Excessive alcohol consumption can have long-term adverse effects, so it is essential to be mindful of your intake and practice moderation.

Seeking help for a heart attack can be life-saving, as early intervention and treatment can help limit the amount of damage to the heart muscle. And, with health insurance, you can receive the best possible care without worrying about the treatment costs.

How Can Health Insurance Help You?

With rising medical inflation, it can be difficult to keep up with medical expenses. To stay ahead of these costs, it's best to arm yourself with comprehensive health insurance. It not only ensures that you are adequately covered for medical expenses but also helps you stay financially prepared for the future.

It covers a wide range of medical expenses including pre-and post-hospitalisation costs, inpatient care, daycare treatments, etc. - letting you focus on your well-being and recovery.

If you get treated in a hospital that has a tie-up with your insurance company, the insurer will directly settle the medical bills with them. This provides you with the convenience of not having to worry about arranging for funds, as financial aspects related to your hospitalisation are taken care of.

Note: Besides these, there are many other benefits as well.

ABSLI health insurance is committed to providing you with personalised service and support every step of the way, ensuring that you have confidence and peace of mind. We offer tailored plans to meet your specific needs and requirements at an affordable premium to protect your savings.

Wrapping up!

The rapid lifestyle changes of modern society have caused an increase in heart diseases, which can affect people of any age. The severity of such diseases warrants quick and proper medical attention, so it is important to have a reliable health insurance plan to cover any unexpected costs and ensure your safety. Ensure that you research and compare the different health insurance plans available to make sure you get the best coverage for your money

Sources

[1]https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvd)

[2]https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases