심장마비에 앞서 찾아오는 징후들을 살펴본다. 심장 건강을 위한 참고사항일 뿐이므로 전문적인 의학정보는 공인된 의사와 의료기관을 통해 얻어야 한다. /편집부

Did you know that you can recognize early signs of a potential heart attack even one month prior to the actual attack, and this way prevent a tragedy from happening?

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 790,000 Americans suffer a heart attack every year. Learning the warning signs of an impending heart attack could very well save you or your loved ones from an early death. The sooner you get help, the better your chance of survival. The symptoms can vary from person to person and may not seem severe. It’s okay to call for an ambulance; after all, a false alarm is the best thing that could happen. If you experience any of the following warning signs, please see your doctor as soon as possible.

1. Fatigue and weakness

If simple chores like going grocery shopping or climbing stairs suddenly tire you out, you shouldn’t ignore it. Fatigue and weakness can be the result of the heart not  getting enough blood if the arteries have become too narrow; this can result in a heart attack.

2. Chest pressure

Pressure, tightness, palpitations, as well as chest, back, neck, jaw, or arm pain should not be ignored. They can be signs the blood supply has become restricted. Even if the pain seems minor, if there is no explanation for it, you should have it checked out.

3. Breathlessness

If you are experiencing this symptom, it could mean that due to reduced blood flow, less carbon dioxide in the blood is exchanged for fresh oxygen in your lungs. This leads to shortness of breath. If you experience difficulties in breathing on a regular basis, it could be a warning of an impending heart attack.

4. Lethargy

If you experience severe weakness and a total lack of energy, it could be a sign of an impending heart attack. Extreme tiredness is often one of the first warning signs of a heart attack.

5. Dizziness and cold sweat

Feeling dizzy and breaking out in a cold sweat can be caused by not enough blood nourishing the brain due to poor circulation. Such symptoms need to be checked out immediately by your doctor.

6. Cold and flu symptoms

Pain in the joints and muscles, severe headaches, a sore throat, or nasal cavity congestion can often appear about a month before a heart attack. These flu-like symptoms can be a sign your body is fighting to improve blood flow. Don’t wait around and wonder; go see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

(원제: Don’t Ignore These ‘6 Potential Warning Signs’ Your Body Gives One Month Before a Heart Attack)