Cardiologist Named Unexpected Signs of a Heart Attack That Few People Know About

A myocardial infarction does not always announce itself with the classic pressing or burning pain behind the breastbone — sometimes it masquerades as completely different conditions. Cardiologist Anastasia Poskakalova discussed this in a conversation with Mail.ru.

As the specialist explained, an atypical course of a heart attack is particularly common in elderly people and patients with diabetes. Instead of the familiar picture — pain lasting more than 20 minutes that radiates to the left arm, neck, jaw, or under the shoulder blade — a person may feel discomfort in an entirely different area: in the abdomen, back, or an unusual part of the chest.

Poskakalova warned that a heart attack can manifest without any pain at all — with sudden shortness of breath, severe weakness, nausea, vomiting, cold clammy sweat, or a sensation of irregular heartbeat. Moreover, in some cases the disease is completely asymptomatic.

According to the cardiologist, particular concern should be raised by a condition in which such symptoms persist at rest for longer than 20 minutes and do not disappear after resting. In such a situation, it is essential to call an ambulance as quickly as possible so that specialists can perform an ECG.

The cardiologist emphasized that heart attack prevention largely depends on lifestyle and control of risk factors. First and foremost, it is important to quit smoking, including vapes and heated tobacco products, and to maintain a balanced diet with limited salt, saturated fats, and trans fats.

Poskakalova also recommended that adults dedicate 150 to 300 minutes per week to moderate physical activity, and at least 75 minutes to vigorous activity. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a proper sleep schedule and keep blood pressure under control.

For early detection of cardiovascular risks, the doctor advised regularly getting an ECG, having blood tests for cholesterol and glucose, and after the age of 40 — undergoing an examination annually. Also starting from that age, an ultrasound of the neck arteries is recommended once every three years.