The heart muscle is an organ that needs oxygen and nutrient to survive; without adequate blood flow to the heart, a heart attack can occur. Here are the warning signs of the deadly event.
LiveScience explained how dependent our body is on the heart functioning well.
The human heart pumps blood throughout the body via the circulatory system.
However, if the heart is unable to do so effectively, other organs in the body begin to fail.
If you’re interested in the size of your heart, make a fist, as this is approximately the size of your heart.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) noted one less common symptom of a heart attack could be heard as you breathe.
Are you wheezing? It could be a sign of a heart attack, especially if you’re experiencing other warning signs.
One of the most common signs of a heart attack is sudden discomfort in the chest that doesn’t go away.
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This discomfort could be described as “pressure, tightness or squeezing”, and some people may find it painful.
Definitely call the emergency services if chest pain spreads to either arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach.
Certain people may also feel sick, sweaty, light-headed or short of breath.
And some people may feel severely anxious, akin to having a panic attack.
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What’s wheezing?
The Mayo Clinic defined wheezing as a “high-pitched whistling sound made while breathing”.
It may occur during breathing out or breathing in, but there are other conditions that may cause wheezing.
Usually, inflammation and narrowing of the airway – from the throat into the lungs – can result in wheezing.
Typically, wheezing can occur in people who suffer from asthma, or obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
While waiting for an ambulance it’s important to “sit down and rest” to not put any extra strain on the heart muscle.
The BHF added: “If you’re with someone who’s experiencing heart attack symptoms but they’re putting off or refusing to call an ambulance, it’s really important that you call one for them.”
People are conscious during a heart attack and will be breathing, but it can lead to a cardiac arrest.
A cardiac arrest is when a person becomes unconscious and stops breathing. Don’t hesitate, call 999 if you’re concerned.