Heart Attack Symptoms and Treatment

Kathmandu. Most people panic at the name of heart attack. The body gives many signals before a heart attack, but people often ignore them thinking they are gas or acidity.

Some people may have serious symptoms before a heart attack such as chest pain, sweating, panic, and difficulty breathing. Heart attack is a major syndrome in itself.

About 90 percent of patients initially experience chest pain. This pain can spread to the shoulder, arm, or upper abdomen. Along with this pain, people may also experience panic, profuse sweating, and difficulty breathing.

Some people may have swelling in their legs. One thing to understand is that not every patient shows the same symptoms before a heart attack. Sometimes, a heart attack can manifest in different ways. But ignoring such symptoms can be fatal.

Today we will discuss the early symptoms of heart attack, how symptoms can differ in men and women.

Heart attack symptoms are often different in women and diabetics. These patients do not always experience severe chest pain. Sometimes, there may only be difficulty breathing, swelling in the legs, or sudden collapse. Therefore, such symptoms should not be taken lightly.

If diagnosed early, major risks can be avoided. The most common symptoms of heart attack in men are severe chest pain, panic, and sweating. In women, the pain is often in the upper abdomen instead of the chest, or there may be no pain at all.

Many women keep taking medicine all day thinking they have acidity. Later they find out that they have had a heart attack. This is why diagnosis of heart attack is delayed in women.

What happens if there is no relief even after taking medicine?

It is important to understand the difference between gas pain and heart attack pain. Gas pain is usually in the upper abdomen, while heart attack pain is in the chest. Sometimes, instead of pain, a heart attack causes only burning in the chest. People make the mistake of thinking this is acidity from eating outside food. If there is no relief even after taking acidity medicine, an ECG should be done without delay.

If someone experiences sudden chest pain, excessive sweating, anxiety, or difficulty breathing, they should go to the nearest hospital immediately. The first step is to get an ECG and necessary blood tests, especially a troponin test. Timely diagnosis and treatment increase the chances of survival.

Within how much time should treatment be done?

The 'golden hour' is very important in a heart attack.

If the patient is taken to the hospital within three hours and angioplasty is done on time, or if thrombolysis injection is given where this facility is not available, the patient's chances of survival are about 95 percent, and it also reduces damage to the heart muscle.

Even if treatment starts within three to 12 hours, the patient benefits significantly. A good lifestyle is important to keep the heart healthy. Fast food should be eaten as little as possible. Good quality oil should be used for cooking, and smoking and alcohol should be completely avoided.

According to recent research, even a small amount of alcohol is considered unsafe. Avoid ghee, sugar, and cold drinks. Eat fresh, balanced, home-cooked food as much as possible. This can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack.

(Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only, always consult an expert or your doctor for more information.)