Findings published earlier this year revealed that the prevalence of heart attacks is growing in adults younger than 50. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided with appropriate measures.
The trouble is, most people remain blissfully unaware that they have an underlying health problem until it’s too late.
In a bid to raise public awareness of symptoms, a doctor shared three crucial red flags that precede cardiac problems before they become life-threatening.
According to heart surgeon Dr Jeremy London, MD, these can range from obvious symptoms to more subtle changes in daily functioning.
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Chest pain could signal that a portion of the heart muscle is blood-starved
The surgeon started with the most serious indicator, sharing: “The first one is the biggest red flag, and that is chest pain, or more commonly chest pressure, that is brought on with activity and relieved with rest.
“This is an indication that a portion of the heart muscle may be blood-starved, and this is referred to as stable angina.”
The second warning sign is connected to the lungs, which work closely with the heart to ensure oxygen circulates throughout the body.
“The second is a little bit more subtle and that is shortness of breath, particularly again, with activity, but it’s progressive shortness of breath, another other words, it’s getting worse over time,” explained Dr London.
The third and least obvious of all the indicators is the one that warrants the most concern, according to the expert.
“The final one is even more subtle, and it’s easy fatigue ability, or a decrease in exercise tolerance,” Dr London explained. “We all get tired, but what I’m talking about is fatigue out of proportion to the activity.
“In other words, like taking out the garbage, taking a shower, crossing the parking lot of the supermarket and having to stop.”
The most important takeaway is to address all these red flags before the situation escalates further.
Addressing red flags could prevent the situation from escalating further
“These are all red flags our bodies have built-in warning systems,” Dr London explained. “The key is that you respond to them before you get into trouble.”
The warning comes after the NHS launched a new educational campaign about recognising cardiac emergencies on the social media platform X.
The health body published a series of images and response guidelines aimed at improving public awareness of heart attacks and cardiac arrests.
A caption on the post read: “Do you know the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? Know what to do in these emergencies and help spread the word.”