Understanding the Early Warning Signs of Heart Disease

A heart attack can strike suddenly and without warning, often leaving people frightened and confused about what is happening. Understanding how a heart attack occurs and why immediate medical attention is vital can help save lives. In India, where heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, recognising the signs and acting quickly can make all the difference between survival and severe damage.

This article explains what happens during a heart attack, the symptoms you should watch out for, and why every minute truly counts when one occurs.

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked. The blockage is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and plaque in the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood.

When the artery becomes blocked, oxygen cannot reach the affected part of the heart muscle. Without oxygen, that section of the heart begins to suffer damage within minutes. If blood flow is not restored quickly, the heart muscle may become permanently injured, which can be life-threatening.

What Happens Inside the Body During a Heart Attack

The Blockage Begins

Heart attacks usually start when a plaque inside an artery ruptures or cracks. The body responds to this injury by forming a blood clot, similar to how it tries to heal a wound. However, this clot can completely block the artery and stop blood flow.

The Heart Muscle Suffers

Once the artery is blocked, the affected area of the heart muscle begins to lose oxygen. Within just a few minutes, the muscle cells start to die. The longer the blockage remains, the more extensive the damage becomes.

Electrical Instability

As parts of the heart muscle are deprived of oxygen, the heart’s electrical system becomes unstable. This can cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) such as ventricular fibrillation, which can lead to cardiac arrest if not treated immediately.

Permanent Damage

If medical care is not provided quickly, parts of the heart muscle may die, resulting in permanent scarring. This can weaken the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently and may lead to heart failure or other complications later in life.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Recognising the symptoms of a heart attack early can help you seek medical help in time.

Common Symptoms

Chest pain or pressure: a feeling of heaviness, squeezing, or tightness in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes
Discomfort in other areas of the body: pain or pressure may spread to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing even while resting or doing light activity
Cold sweat: sudden perspiration that is not linked to exercise or heat
Nausea or vomiting: more common in women, sometimes mistaken for indigestion
Lightheadedness or dizziness: feeling faint or suddenly weak

Symptoms in Women and the Elderly

Women, older adults, and people with diabetes may experience less obvious symptoms such as:

Unusual fatigue
Indigestion or discomfort in the upper abdomen
Mild chest pressure rather than sharp pain
Shortness of breath without chest pain

Because these symptoms can be subtle, heart attacks in these groups sometimes go unnoticed until they become severe.

Why Every Minute Counts

During a heart attack, time is muscle. The longer the heart muscle goes without oxygen, the more of it becomes damaged. Acting quickly helps restore blood flow, reduce damage, and improve the chances of survival.

The Golden Hour

The first hour after the onset of heart attack symptoms is often called the “golden hour”. Prompt treatment within this period can limit the amount of heart muscle damage and save lives.

What Happens If You Delay

Delaying treatment increases the risk of complications such as:

Irreversible heart muscle damage
Heart failure
Dangerous heart rhythms
Cardiac arrest

Even if symptoms seem mild or come and go, it is critical to get medical attention immediately.

What to Do if You Suspect a Heart Attack

Call for Emergency Help Immediately

Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. Call an ambulance or emergency number right away. Paramedics can start life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital.

Stay Calm and Rest

Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Avoid physical exertion.

Chew an Aspirin (if Not Allergic)

Chewing a regular tablet of aspirin (after confirming you are not allergic) can help reduce blood clotting and may limit damage until help arrives.

Keep the Person Conscious

If someone near you has collapsed, check for breathing and pulse. Begin CPR if you are trained, and continue until emergency help arrives.

How Doctors Treat a Heart Attack

Once you reach the hospital, the cardiologist and emergency team will quickly work to restore blood flow.

Diagnostic Tests

You may undergo:

ECG (Electrocardiogram): to identify the type of heart attack
Blood tests: to check for markers of heart muscle damage
Echocardiogram or angiography: to view heart function and locate blockages

Treatments

Depending on the severity and timing, treatment may include:

Thrombolytic therapy: medicines that dissolve blood clots
Angioplasty and stent placement: opening the blocked artery using a small balloon and inserting a stent to keep it open
Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG): creating new pathways for blood to reach the heart muscle

These procedures help restore blood flow, reduce further damage, and stabilise the patient’s condition.

Preventing Future Heart Attacks

After recovery, your cardiologist will recommend lifestyle changes and medications to prevent recurrence. This may include:

Eating a heart-healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
Quitting smoking
Taking prescribed medications consistently
Scheduling regular follow-ups

Take Action to Protect Your Heart

A heart attack is a medical emergency where quick thinking can save lives. Recognising the signs, acting without delay, and seeking expert care can greatly improve recovery outcomes.

If you or someone you know experiences any symptoms of a heart attack, do not wait to see if they will go away. Every second counts when it comes to heart health.