Heart attack is the leading cause of death worldwide, contributing to 85% of the total Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It occurs when the blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries.

In most cases, the onset of a heart attack is sudden and most often fatal. However, sometimes the signs are so subtle that the condition is either overlooked or mistaken for other harmless health issues, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Recognising and addressing the early symptoms is therefore key. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr V Vinoth Kumar, Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, CARE Hospitals, HITEC City, Hyderabad, shares whether a heart attack can be detected before it occurs and what the warning signs are to watch out for.

Can You Detect A Heart Attack Before It Occurs?

It is important to understand that the symptoms of a heart attack may vary from person to person, says Dr Kumar, adding that the symptoms may range from overt to subtle depending on various factors.

He says, “While several heart attacks occur suddenly, some signs may be detected days or weeks before the event.”

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain or uncomfortable pressure that does not reduce with rest and is persistent in nature, according to the doctor.

“Chest pressure, also known as angina, is caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart,” he adds.

According to a study published in the journal Cureus, researchers found that over 40% of heart attack patients reported prodromal symptoms, which are early warning signs like chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

These symptoms typically occurred within a week to a month before the heart attack, the study noted, highlighting the importance of recognising the warning signs so people can seek medical attention and potentially prevent a heart attack.

In another instance, after surveying 515 women after a heart attack, researchers found that 95% reported warning signs beforehand. These warnings, like fatigue, sleep problems, and shortness of breath, typically occurred over a month before the heart attack itself.

Interestingly, chest pain, a common symptom in men, was only reported by a third of the women.

Medical Tests To Take

Besides blood tests, many different tests can be used to determine heart health, says Dr Kumar. These include:

Electrocardiogram: Also known as ECG or EKG, is a painless and quick test to record electrical signals in the heart. It can detect abnormalities in heart rhythm—too fast or too slow.

Echocardiogram: This test makes use of sound waves to create precise images of the heart in motion. An echocardiogram can be used to understand any leak or narrowness of the valve.

Cardiac CT or MRI scan: A cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) or cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can create highly detailed images to identify any abnormalities.

Coronary Angiography: This test injects a contrasting dye into the arteries and takes angiograms to find blockages or assess blood flow.

In addition, cholesterol, blood pressure, stress, and blood tests can also help determine heart health and mitigate the risk of heart attacks, the doctor adds.

Prompt Steps To Take In The Event Of A Heart Attack

In the event of a heart attack, prompt action is essential. Steps to take include:

• Seek emergency medical attention or call an ambulance for assistance.
• If the individual is not allergic to aspirin, chewing on uncoated aspirin is recommended to reduce the intensity of a heart attack, Dr Kumar recommends.
• Use necessary medications like nitroglycerin that can help boost blood flow to the heart, as prescribed by your doctor.
• Help the patient into a comfortable position and loosen tight clothing to make breathing easier.
• Monitor their breathing and consciousness levels.
• Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation(CPR) if one is trained.

Conclusion

While a heart attack can occur suddenly, subtle signs may help you recognise it early. Chest pain and pressure, body pain, particularly in the jaw, arms, and shoulders, along with shortness of breath and unexplained fatigue, should not be ignored, especially if you have a history of heart disease. Consult a cardiologist or a doctor to discuss effective management strategies and ways to reduce heart disease risk.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/can-heart-attack-be-detected-before-it-occurs-or-not-1711530849