Good day my beautiful ladies; what a great time it is to be a Nigerian woman. Health is wealth and we have to do everything we can to ensure that we remain healthy so we can enjoy the beauty of life.
In this week’s edition of health, we will be examining warning signs your body gives you before a heart attack.
According to 2020 WHO data, heart attack is the leading cause of death in Nigeria. This means that the condition accounts for about 4% of total deaths in the country. We see someone today and the next day, we hear they had a heart attack. A lot of women pass on, while some have to spend time in the hospital recuperating.
Many people attribute this problem to the national economic situation, while others believe that no one can predict whether or not they are going to have heart attack. Yet, doctors say that your body will naturally give you warning signs before you get a heart attack. So, it is not everything that should be blamed on “village people.”
Let us examine some of the warning signs that your body would give you before you get a heart attack.
Muscle strain
If you are experiencing pains in your shoulders as well as your upper back, it is a warning sign of a possible heart attack. If you have a history of an injury at your upper back, then this should not be considered as a warning sign. If you notice this sort of constant muscle strain you need to have your heart checked.
Painful pressure
Another sign that you might have a heart attack is when you experience a lot of pressure – like someone is squeezing your chest – right at the center of your chest. This pressure can keep on happening throughout the day, lasting for about a minute or less. Irrespective of your faith, this is a sign of a possible heart attack and cause for you to visit the hospital.
Dizziness
If you ask so many women why they have dizzy spells, they will tell you that it is stress and nothing else. You will hear excuses like “it’s not easy getting to work here in Lagos, getting back home, taking care of the kids and all.”
Sure, this is right, but it could also be your body warning you. When you feel dizzy coupled with shortness of breath, it is a sign that your blood pressure has dropped which means that a heart attack could be on the cards.
Heart palpitations
Heart palpitation is a situation where you begin to notice your heartbeats. You start to notice the sounds as if it has become a little louder but this occurs because your heart is not getting adequate blood supply to pump. If at any point you feel like your heart beats are a lot more noticeable, you need to visit your doctor right away.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is a feeling like you cannot get enough air into your lungs. Irrespective of whatever you are doing – working out, running, or climbing the stairs, your lungs should be able to get you enough oxygen. However, when you feel shortness of breath, it is a sign that your heart needs to be examined immediately.
Bottom line
After reading all of this, I want you to relax. This is to educate you and not scare you. If you notice any of these signs, and want to be sure you are not at risk of a heart attack, all you need to do is visit your doctor.
This will clear your doubt, and if the situation is the case, put you right on top of things where you can find a solution. Nobody prays for a heart attack. However, if you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to take decisive action. It will save you as well as your loved ones a lot of stress. See you in the next article and of course, stay healthy.
