The incidence of heart attacks among young people is increasing significantly compared to previous years. Experts have observed this rising trend among individuals aged 18-44, even those who lead a seemingly healthy lifestyle with regular exercise routines and good fitness levels. Several health experts suggest that a combination of factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and stress, may be contributing to this concerning trend.
Cardiologists emphasize that signs of a heart attack could manifest hours, days, or even weeks before the actual event. Many individuals may overlook these signs, mistaking them for other health issues. For example, symptoms like neck and shoulder pain, nausea, indigestion, and stomach discomfort may not be immediately associated with cardiovascular problems. Additionally, shooting pain in the arm or jaw could serve as early indicators of a heart attack. These symptoms may differ from typical signs like sudden chest pain or tightness, providing an opportunity to address them before it's too late.
A report in DailyMail sheds light on lesser-known early signs of heart attacks that young and physically fit individuals may experience weeks before the event. Sweating excessively and experiencing shortness of breath without physical exertion could indicate a potential heart attack. Dr. Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai in New York, warned that increased sweating upon waking up could serve as a warning sign.
Pain in the neck and shoulders, particularly common in women, may precede a heart attack. Women may feel persistent pain in the back, neck, jaw, or shoulder blades before or during an episode. Other warning signs may include fatigue, nausea, and increased sweating.Symptoms to Watch Out for Before or During a Heart Attack and Increase in Heart Attacks Among Young People
Recognizing signs of a heart attack that may be misinterpreted as acidity or heartburn is crucial. If you experience extreme fatigue even without physical exertion, it is important to take note and seek advice from your cardiologist, as reported by the BMJ journal.
Feeling heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest, distinct from pain and sometimes mistaken for a muscle strain, can also be an indicator of a possible heart attack.
Additionally, a sharp and intolerable shooting pain in the arm or discomfort in the jaw could be warning signs of an impending heart attack.
According to a report by DailyMail, there has been a significant increase in heart attacks among young individuals. In 2019, about 0.3 percent of Americans aged 18 to 44 experienced a heart attack, which rose to 0.5 percent in the following year – a 66 percent surge in just four years. This data reveals that now one out of five heart attack patients is under the age of 40.
Experts emphasize the importance of addressing risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Individuals with a history of chronic illnesses should carefully monitor their diet and avoid habits like alcohol consumption and smoking.
The question of why physically fit individuals may also experience heart attacks is a topic that needs further exploration.
