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The early signs of heart disease never look like a medical emergency to most. The seemingly ordinary symptoms can be the body's first indication that something is seriously wrong - - - A persistent bout of fatigue. Breatlessness that seems easy to blame on a hectic schedule. Discomfort in the jaw, back or shoulders that is dismissed as muscle strain.
Recognising heart disease symptoms early can save lives and prevent cardiovascular deaths. Heart disease remains world's leading killer where one in three lives are lost due to its rampage.
While advances in treatment have improved the outcomes, awareness remains still a challenge. People, at first, tend to ignore the symptoms that arise. The cardinal neglect delays diagnosis. And precious time is lost even as quick intervention could make rapid differences.
The burden of cardiovascular disease is quite large. CVDs claim about 17.9 million lives annually which is one third of all the deaths worldwide with more than four in five resulting from heart attacks and strokes.
Many cardiovascular signs develop silently. Elevated blood pressure may remain sans symptom for years together. Cholestrol level goes up unchecked. Diabetes damages nerves and hides the warning signs. Consequently, significant cardiovascular damage occurs before symptoms prompt medical attention.
Cardiovascular disease may arise silently. But the symptoms should not be overlooked. They include - unexplained breathlessness, unusual fatigue, dizziness, sweating, nausea, pain spreading from the chest to the arm, shoulders, back, neck, or jaw.
Symptoms may be atypical in women and people with diabetes, making them easier to miss.
The risk can be obviated by regular blood pressure checks, consistent physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, effective stress management and giving up smoking.
Women may experience atypical fatigue, breathlessness, nausea, heaviness in the chest or pain radiating to the jaw or back, symptoms often mistaken for stress or acidity.
Adults, as the advance in age, may appear weak, dizzy or less active.
Emergency cardiac care doesnot begin at the hospital. The initial response can make significant difference in a cardiac emergency.
Knowing the warning signs, knowing when to call for help and knowing the difference betwenn a heart attack and a cardiac arrest can turn an ordinary bystander into the first link in the patient's chance for survival.
Heart disease is often preventable. But prevention has to begin with awareness.
Recognising symptoms, knowing the risk factors, getting screened and acting on unusual warning signs improve outcomes manifold.
Fact is, efficient management of health condition reduces cardiovascular risk to a great extent.
Warnig signs not be ignored
2. Shortness of breath without a clear cause.
3. Chest pressure, heaviness or discomfort
4. Pain spreading to the arm, shoulders, neck, jaw or back.
5. Dizziness, weakness or sudden sweating.
6. Nausea or syptoms mistaken for acidity.
7. Reduced stamina, confusion or unexpected decline in activity
