It is important to pay attention to the symptoms to seek medical help and avoid complications.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and claim more than a thousand victims a day in Brazil alone. In the country, it is estimated that between 300 and 400 thousand cases of cardiac events annually are heart attacks – and in five to seven patients, at least one dies, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
Although it is a cardiac medical emergency, there are the first signs of a possible one heart attack They don’t always come from the heart. Before it occurs, the patient may feel some related discomfort in other parts of the body besides the chest. These symptoms can appear days, weeks and even months before the heart attack itself.
Difference between heart attack and pre-infarction
Popularly known as pre-heart attack, unstable angina occurs when there is blockage of the arteries leading to chest pain, but does not cause tissue damage, as in the case of a heart attack. “When this obstruction of the coronary arteries due to the accumulation of fat is total, associated with other factors that lead to an increase in the coagulability of the arteries blood vesselsthat’s when a heart attack occurs,” explains the supervisor of the Urgent and Emergencies Internship of the Medicine course at the Positivo University (UP), Chiu Yun Yu Braga.
He explains that when the blood vessel obstruction is only partial, it is called a pre-heart attack, which could indicate that worse is to come.
Symptoms of a pre-infarction
According to the specialist, signs that a possible heart attack is occurring include chest pain that may radiate to the jaw, neck and inner part of the left arm. These symptoms may also be associated with nausea and vomiting, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
“It is important to be aware when a person presents these discomforts combined with risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking or sedentary lifestyle, as they are indicative that this condition of unstable angina could turn into a heart attack in the near future,” reveals Chiu Yun Yu Braga.
In summary, a pre-infarction is characterized when the patient experiences chest discomfort which is not equivalent to damage to the heart muscle, but, since this can only be verified by a specialist, the indication is that, if these symptoms occur, the patient seek medical help.
How to prevent a pre-heart attack from becoming a heart attack
Even after suffering a pre-heart attack, the cardiologist emphasizes that there are some measures that can prevent a future heart attack. “Usually the same precautions are taken for anyone who wants to have a healthy life: maintain an asset food and practice physical activity regularly, as well as taking medications appropriately, when necessary, and consulting a cardiologist to perform blood tests and carry out the necessary tests for prevention”, indicates Chiu Yun Yu Braga.
It also warns that the risk of heart attack is greater for men over 40 and women over 50, especially when they enter menopause. “People in these age groups should see a specialist annually to prevent any type of cardiovascular disease,” he adds.
By Enzo Feliciano
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
