Hollywood portrays heart attacks as sudden, painful tragedies, but the reality is more complex. Unknown heart attack risk factors are highlighted in this article to assist men manage them.
Why Early Detection Matters
US heart disease kills most men and women, according to the American Heart Association. Heart attacks can be sudden, but many have warning signs. Recognizing these signs and obtaining medical help promptly will improve your recovery.
Unexpected Heart Attack Signs Beyond Chest Pain
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED) as a Sign of Heart Problems: Damaged blood veins block penile blood flow. The low blood flow may make erections difficult. New or persistent ED needs medical attention.
- Unusual exhaustion: A weak left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber, can induce excessive exhaustion after regular activities or workouts. Muscle weakness makes blood pumping difficult and may cause a heart attack.
- Leg Cramps During Walking: Sign of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD reduces leg blood flow by narrowing arteries. Similarly, plaque narrows heart arteries in coronary artery disease. PAD medication reduces heart attack risk.
- Severe Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Stopping and beginning breathing during sleep raises blood pressure and heart rate, both heart attack risk factors.
- Unexplained Nausea or Indigestion: Diverse bodily signals can confound the neurological system. A chronic nausea that worsens with exertion and improves with rest may be an issue.
- Unexpected Anxiety: Despite women-focused research, sudden worry can cause heart attacks in men. Anxiety symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations may delay heart attack care. If you have these symptoms, especially outside of stress, see a doctor.
- Persistent Bloating: It may also signify congestive heart failure, a weak heart that struggles to pump blood. Fluid buildup in the abdomen and elsewhere can result. Chronic or inexplicable bloating requires medical attention.
Treatment for These Symptoms
Despite not indicating a heart attack, these symptoms should be considered. Discuss your difficulties with a doctor. Prevention is achievable with early detection. Your doctor may order an EKG or coronary angiogram for heart electrical activity and arterial blockages.
If you suffer heart attack symptoms like chest pressure or tightness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, cold sweat, or arm, neck, or jaw pain, call 911.
Maintain Heart Health
Healthy living avoids heart attacks best. Key strategies:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Cardiovascular disease is connected to fat.
- Control Blood Pressure: High blood pressure stresses the heart.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein for heart health.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking damages your heart and arteries.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress causes heart disease.
Learning the less-known signs of a heart attack and living a healthy lifestyle can help men live longer.
