Heart attacks have become a significant health concern worldwide and are one of the leading causes of death. They are no longer confined to a specific age or certain health conditions, and we hear about sudden deaths due to heart attacks without any prior warning. The World Health Organization reported that about 17.9 million people died from heart problems in 2019, accounting for 32% of all global deaths.
With the emergence of the coronavirus, the situation worsened, leading to a significant increase in young heart patients. Several factors, including poor lifestyle choices, unhealthy eating, and even over-exercising, have contributed to the rise in heart attack cases. While it is impossible to precisely determine when a heart attack will occur, certain parts of your body might signal an impending heart attack, according to a report by Times of India.
1) **Chest**
A looming heart attack may cause discomfort and pain; indeed, chest discomfort is one of the most common signs and symptoms. According to the American Heart Association, a person may experience uncomfortable pressure or pain in the center of the chest that may last more than a few minutes.
2) **Back**
While chest pain can be a warning sign of a heart attack, one should not overlook warning signs that may appear in the back, especially in women. The American Heart Association claims that women are more likely than men to report back pain occurring before and during a heart attack.
3) **Jaw**
Jaw pain can signify more than just a muscular disorder or a toothache, particularly in women. Pain in the left side of the jaw is a common sign of a heart attack, especially if it is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, wheezing, and nausea. Don't wait to seek medical help if you experience these symptoms.
4) **Neck**
Heart attacks occur due to a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. While discomfort may start in your chest, the pain can spread to your neck over time. Although neck stiffness may indicate exhaustion, muscle strain, or other treatable conditions, it can also occur due to a heart attack.
5) **Shoulder**
When sharp and uncomfortable pain radiates from your chest to your neck, jaw, and shoulders, it could be an indicator of a heart attack. However, medical attention should be sought if you experience severe shoulder pain, especially if it radiates from your chest to your left jaw, arm, or neck.
6) **Left Arm**
Considering that heart attacks occur due to a blockage in blood flow to the heart muscle, they can cause pain in your left arm. While mild aches and pain in the left arm can be a sign of aging, sudden and unusual pain can be an early warning sign of a heart attack.
