Heart attacks in young people are increasing rapidly in the 18-44 age group, even among individuals who appear to lead healthy lifestyles with regular exercise routines and good fitness levels. Experts attribute this trend to a combination of factors such as sedentary living, poor diet, and stress. Cardiologists warn that signs of a heart attack may present themselves hours, days, or weeks before the actual event, but can often be mistaken for other health issues. Symptoms like neck and shoulder pain, nausea, indigestion, or shooting pain in the arm or jaw could all be early indicators, which may occur well before the more typical chest pain symptoms associated with heart attacks. Recognizing these lesser-known signs early could help individuals seek medical attention before it's too late. According to a report by DailyMail, sweating excessively, shortness of breath without exertion, pain in the neck and shoulders, fatigue, nausea, and sweating are all warning signs that may manifest weeks before a heart attack, particularly in young and physically fit individuals.Management before or during a heart attack that may be misinterpreted as acidity or heartburn. If you experience unusual and extreme exhaustion without physical exertion, it is advisable to take note and consult your cardiologist, as stated in the BMJ journal.

Chest pressure or tightness

Feelings of heaviness, pressure, or tightness in the chest, which may be distinct from pain and occasionally brushed off as a pulled muscle.

Sharp pain in arm

A shooting pain in the arm, too severe to bear, may be experienced by many individuals. Jaw pain can also serve as a warning sign of an impending heart attack.

According to DailyMail, there has been a significant increase in heart attacks among young people. In 2019, approximately 0.3 percent of Americans aged 18 to 44 experienced a heart attack, which rose to 0.5 percent last year, translating to a 66 percent surge in such cases within a four-year period. The data reveals that now one in five heart attack patients is under the age of 40. Experts emphasize the importance of addressing risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, managing high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. Individuals with a history of chronic illnesses should pay close attention to their diet and avoid alcohol and smoking.

Why do physically fit individuals have heart attacks?