Heart disease is becoming more widespread in people of all ages for a variety of reasons. Nitesh Pandey, well known for his roles in Om Shanti Om and, more recently, the TV series Anupamaa, died of a heart attack in Nashik. He was 50.
Many celebrities, both young and elderly, have died as a result of heart attacks in recent years, including Satish Kaushik, Sidharth Shukla, Puneeth Rajkumar, Singer KK, and Raju Srivastava. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when the blood supply to the heart is significantly diminished or stopped. The obstruction might be caused by the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the arteries. A heart attack might present with moderate, severe, or no symptoms.
Heart disease causes in India
“The rising number of cardiac arrests in India is a major source of concern, and the recent death of actor Nitesh Pandey is tragic.” There are several causes and reasons for the rise in cardiac arrests among young individuals in India. Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as a lack of exercise, poor food, smoking and alcohol use, stress and anxiety, and hereditary susceptibility to heart disease are examples of these. Men, particularly those over the age of 45, are more prone to cardiac arrest than women. “However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of younger women suffering from heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart attack,” says Dr Devendra Shrimal, Director of Cardiology, Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Jaipur.
“When a heart attack occurs, the patient usually experiences chest pain in the centre, but it could be only in the left or only in the right side.” The discomfort in the chest may or may not spread to the left arm. If the pain or discomfort lasts longer than 15-20 minutes, it is time to suspect a heart attack and go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital or get an ECG since it will give you the specific diagnosis of a heart attack. Many times, folks are not in pain. It might simply be unusual chest pain. They are unable to adequately define it. Sometimes it’s just breathing difficulties that they’ve never experienced before, but people with diabetes, in particular, may not have chest discomfort.
Many people may have sensations in the upper area of their belly, as well as pain. It’s unfortunate that many patients believe it’s a gas issue. So, if you haven’t had these symptoms before and they’re new, and they last longer than 20 minutes even after taking an antacid, please consider it a heart attack,” says Dr TS Kler, Chairman, Fortis Heart and Vascular Institute, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
“People should be aware of warning signs such as chest pain or discomfort, such as squeezing, fullness, or burning in the chest, shortness of breath, unexplained sweating, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue.” “It is critical to raise awareness about the importance of heart health and encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle in order to avoid or reduce the risk of cardiac arrest,” Dr Shrimal says.
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK
Dr V. Vinoth, Sr. Consultant Interventional Cardiologist CARE Hospitals Hitech City, Hyderabad, discusses the signs and symptoms of a heart attack that people should not overlook because early medical intervention might boost survival chances.
1. Discomfort in the chest
Chest pain or discomfort is the most prevalent and noticeable symptom of a heart attack. This feeling is frequently characterised as tightness, pressure, or squeezing in the centre or left side of the chest. It might be continuous or intermittent, last a few minutes or come and go. Most crucial, the patient’s discomfort or agony will worsen as he or she walks or climbs the steps. It is critical to be aware of any unexpected or inexplicable discomfort in the chest region.
2. Upper-body aches
Symptoms of a heart attack may spread beyond the chest to other parts of the upper body. The arms (typically the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or even the stomach may experience pain or discomfort. Sometimes individuals merely experience throat discomfort, which worsens with activity or walking and improves with rest. This pain may occur in addition to or independently of chest discomfort. Any inexplicable pain or discomfort in these areas should be taken seriously.
3. Breathing difficulty
Breathing difficulties or a sense of shortness of breath might be symptoms of a heart attack. This symptom can occur even when there is no chest discomfort and can occur during rest or during physical exercise. Breathing difficulties during walking or sleeping are significant symptoms that may be connected to the heart. If you are fighting to catch your breath, you should consider the risk of a heart attack.
4. Nausea and heartburn
Some people who are having a heart attack may feel queasy or have indigestion-like symptoms. Women are more likely to have these symptoms. If you have inexplicable nausea or indigestion-like symptoms, especially if it is accompanied by other potential indicators of a heart attack, get medical assistance immediately. Don’t try to self-medicate. This is the most prevalent reason for putting off getting medical help.
5. Excessive sweating
Sweating that is unexplained or excessive, typically accompanied by cold and clammy skin, might be a warning sign of a heart attack. Men are more likely to experience this condition. It is critical not to ignore if you suddenly break out in a cold sweat for no apparent reason.
6. Tiredness and weakness
Feeling particularly fatigued, weak, or drained, especially with little physical activity or when resting, might be a sign of a heart attack. If you are feeling unusually severe exhaustion or weakness, it is wise to evaluate the likelihood of a cardiac episode.
7. Vertigo and lightheadedness
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, fainting episodes, or the sense of nearly passing out can all be symptoms of decreased blood supply to the heart. These symptoms should never be ignored and should always be treated as soon as possible.
8. Panic and anxiety
Emotional symptoms such as worry, panic, or a sense of impending doom can occasionally precede or follow a heart attack. These psychological symptoms should not be ignored, especially when paired with other warning indications.
“It’s important to remember that symptoms vary from person to person, and some people, particularly women and older people, may experience atypical or milder symptoms during a heart attack.” Any suspicion of a heart attack, on the other hand, should be regarded carefully. If you or someone close to you notices any of these symptoms, contact help immediately and seek immediate medical attention. Dr V. Vinoth says, “Timely intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome, potentially saving lives and minimising heart damage.”
