The heart attack signs that may appear months before it happens – Cheshire Live

Early signs of a heart attack may occur months before the deadly episode, according to experts.

The NHS define a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) as a serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot.

According to Dr Iqbal Malik, Consultant Cardiologist at OneWelbeck, when heart symptoms first start they can be mild, for example you may feel a bit of breathlessness on exertion, chest tightness, indigestion, or even just a reduction in exercise tolerance.

"They come on when you push yourself, and disappear at rest," said Dr Malik when speaking to the Express.

They can also get progressively worse in the next few weeks, he adds.

Here, Dr Malik describes the symptoms that can occur months in advance.

Dr Malik explains: "The process in the coronary (heart) artery is that debris (grit made up of fat and scar - or atheroma build up slowly.

"Then a change occurs and a crack in this material can appear - that is healed up with a small clot."

He continues: "That makes the artery that bit narrower - making the symptoms a bit worse - but not blocking the artery and causing a heart attack.

"This process repeats itself and the artery gets narrower and narrower.

"If the clot is too large, and blocks the blood vessel suddenly, that is a heart attack."

According to Dr Malik, if you are under 30, it is very unlikely this is a heart attack.

If you are over 50, however, and have underlying conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, overweight, strong family history, high cholesterol) then take it seriously and get checked out, he said.

"If symptoms last for over 15 minutes, and are not relieved by rest, then please call 999," warned Dr Malik.

"Remember, the hospital can handle your care, and dont be too worried about catching Covid-19," he said.

"The heart attack is much more serious than the risk of catching that disease."

Making lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent having a heart attack (or having another heart attack).

According to the NHS, There are three main steps you can take to help prevent a heart attack (as well as stroke).

These are:

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The heart attack signs that may appear months before it happens - Cheshire Live