Heart attack and heart failure are not the same thing, do not ignore these symptoms

ISLAMABAD: Heart diseases (heart attack and heart failure) are increasing rapidly in Pakistan as well as around the world, and the worrying thing is that now young people are also falling under this threat.

According to medical experts, a significant increase in heart disease cases has been seen in people between the ages of 30 and 45, while this risk is increasing further in women.

Experts say that modern lifestyle, mental stress, unbalanced diet and changes in hormones are increasing the chances of heart disease in women.

Since the symptoms of heart disease in women are often different from those of men, many women ignore them, mistaking them for minor fatigue or physical weakness.

The main difference between heart attack and heart failure

According to medical experts, both heart attack and heart failure are heart diseases, but their nature is different.

A heart attack occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked, which cuts off the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle and damages the affected tissues.

In contrast, heart failure is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot pump blood as needed by the body. It is usually a long-term disease that worsens over time, but with proper treatment and medication, the patient can lead a normal life.

Experts say that sometimes a severe heart attack can also cause heart failure by affecting the pumping ability of the heart.

Symptoms of heart attack in young age

Heart attack symptoms in young adults are often subtler than the classic “crushing chest pain” seen in movies. The most common warning signs include tightness or pressure in the chest, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, and radiating pain in the arms, neck, or jaw

Symptoms of heart attack in women

Before a heart attack, women may experience some symptoms that are different and relatively less obvious than those of men.

Women may feel pressure, tightness, heaviness, or pain in the middle of the chest, which may last for a few minutes and then reappear.

Apart from this, pain or discomfort in the following areas can also be a sign of a heart attack, including the neck, jaw, back, shoulder, arm, abdomen, and others. The prominent symptoms include shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, weakness, and anxiety.

According to experts, some women feel severe pressure or tightness in the upper back during a heart attack, as if someone is tying the body tightly.

Precautions

According to the American Heart Association, most heart diseases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Health experts have advised that regular medical check-ups be done for heart health. Quit smoking, because the risk of heart disease is significantly reduced after one year of quitting smoking.

Do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week. Make muscle-strengthening exercises a part of the routine.

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, nuts, and healthy proteins in your diet. Limit your intake of processed foods, added sugar, and salt.

Experts say that if women take the early signs of heart disease seriously and seek medical advice in a timely manner, many complications can be avoided.