Heart attacks among young people are increasing at a concerning rate in comparison to previous years. This trend is most noticeable in the 18-44 age group, even among individuals who follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise routines and good fitness levels. Health experts attribute this rise to factors such as sedentary living, poor diet, and stress.
Cardiologists warn that heart attack symptoms may manifest hours, days, or even weeks before the actual event, often being mistaken for other health issues. For example, neck and shoulder pain, nausea, indigestion, and stomach discomfort are not typically associated with heart problems. Early signs can include shooting arm or jaw pain, which differ from the more common chest pain, heaviness, or tightness typically linked to heart attacks. Recognizing these signs in advance can offer an opportunity to address the issue before it becomes critical.
Recent reports have shed light on lesser-known early warning signs of heart attacks in young and highly athletic individuals that can appear weeks before the event. One such sign is excessive sweating and shortness of breath, even during minimal physical activity. Dr. Deepak Bhatt, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai in New York, advises that increased sweating, particularly upon waking up, could indicate a forthcoming heart attack.
Another symptom to watch for is pain in the neck and shoulders, especially in women who may not experience the classic chest pain associated with heart attacks. Women could perceive persistent discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or shoulder blades before or during a heart attack. Additionally, feeling fatigued, sweating, and experiencing nausea are potential warning signs that should not be overlooked.Management before or during a heart attack that could be mistaken for acid reflux or heartburn. If you experience unusual and extreme fatigue without physical exertion, it is important to take note and seek advice from your cardiologist, as reported in the BMJ journal.
Chest pressure or tightness - One may feel a sense of heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest, which is distinct from pain and may sometimes be disregarded as a muscle strain.
Shooting pain in the arm - Some individuals may encounter a sharp shooting pain in their arm, too severe to endure. Pain in the jaw can also serve as a warning sign of an impending heart attack.
According to the DailyMail, there has been a notable increase in heart attacks among young individuals. Data suggests that approximately 0.3 percent of Americans between 18 to 44 years old suffered from a heart attack in 2019, whereas this figure rose to 0.5 percent in the following year - a 66 percent surge over a span of four years. Currently, one in five heart attack patients is under the age of 40. It is recommended to address risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and to manage conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Individuals with a history of chronic illnesses should be especially mindful of their diet and avoid alcohol and tobacco use.
