Cardiac Warning Signs

Never downplay what your heart is trying to tell you. The following information can alert you to the importance of getting medical attention if the following events occur.

Grasping the Reality of a Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Sudden cardiac arrest is a severe medical emergency where the heart suddenly stops beating. Unlike a heart attack, which occurs due to blocked blood flow to the heart, an SCA is prompted by an electrical disturbance that disrupts the heart’s pumping action.

This cessation stops blood flow to the brain, lungs, and other organs, and if not treated within minutes, can result in death. Understanding the reality of an SCA is important because an immediate response and treatment can greatly increase the chances of survival.

Learn CPR to Help People Suffering from an SCA: Look at Your Options on the In-Pulse Website

It also can benefit you to learn on-site CPR to prevent a premature death due to an SCA. On-site, hands-on training is always a great choice, as it will give you the confidence you need to save a life with confidence in case of an emergency. One of the popular onsite training providers is In-Pulse CPR.

Chest Pain: A Potent Indicator of Heart Trouble

Chest pain is often the most recognizable symptom of heart trouble. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp stab, and may be accompanied by pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation. While not all chest pain is related to the heart—it can also result from problems with the lungs, ribs, muscles, or nerves—chest pain that is heart-related (angina) is a warning of coronary artery disease and a precursor to a potential heart attack.

The Alarm Bells of Fainting and Heart Health

Fainting, or syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness usually caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain. When fainting is heart-related, it can be triggered by serious conditions like heart arrhythmias or blockages. So, if you experience fainting without a clear cause, it’s important to seek a medical evaluation to rule out or confirm a cardiac origin.

Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Help

Palpitations occur if your heart is skipping a beat, fluttering, or beating too hard or too fast. Common during stress or exercise, palpitations can also occur at rest or when lying down. While they are often harmless, if accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, they might signal a serious heart condition, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), requiring immediate medical attention.

Breathlessness: A Marker for Cardiac Concerns

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is another symptom that could indicate heart trouble, especially when it occurs without significant exertion. In these situations, it can be a sign of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, heart arrhythmia, or a heart attack. If you experience sudden or severe breathlessness, do not dismiss the issue. Call a doctor immediately.

Unwarranted Fatigue and its Correlation with Heart Disease

Feeling unusually tired or experiencing excessive fatigue can also be linked to heart disease. In fact, it may be one of the earliest warning signs, particularly in women. It’s essential to take note of unexplained fatigue, especially if it’s profound and comes along with other heart disease symptoms like chest discomfort or breathlessness.

Interpreting Dizziness as a Cardiac Symptom

Dizziness, frequently, is not immediately associated with heart conditions. However, dizziness can occur when the heart is not pumping enough blood to the brain, possibly due to an abnormal heart rhythm or narrowed arteries. Any instance of unexplained or recurrent dizziness should prompt a visit to the doctor, as it may be a sign of an underlying heart issue.

Final Thoughts

Don’t ever overlook heart-related symptoms and concerns. Make sure you see a doctor without delay. If things don’t seem right and you’re experiencing symptoms or heart abnormalities that are slowing you down or causing you respiratory or physical distress, don’t wait to ask for medical help. Call your doctor ASAP.

Author: Donna Ryan

Author Bio: Donna Ryan is a health writer who works in Tucson, AZ. She supports CPR/AED life-saving training programs like In-Pulse CPR. Make sure to click on the links in the above article to learn more about the training and certification.