New research in recent weeks has shed some new light on heart attack symptoms and risk factors that deserve your attention.
Most people think a heart attack is easily identifiable: severe chest pain and shortness of breath. And although most people may suffer heart attacks with these symptoms, about a quarter don’t.
Advertisement
Rather, they experience what has come to be known as “atypical” symptoms.
These symptoms include breathing problems, abdominal pain, and extreme fatigue. Symptoms that may be attributable to other conditions or causes, and not necessarily heart attacks or something that would get people into emergency rooms.
Recent research published in the European Heart Journal – Acute Cardiovascular Care found that about 1 in 4 people experience these “atypical” symptoms and are less likely to receive emergency care.
By extension, they are more likely to die within 30 days than those who experience chest pain during a heart attack.
That wasn’t the only study that recently challenged how people and physicians should think about heart health.
Another study, for example, highlighted the importance that race and income play in heart attack risk and outcome.
Research recently presented at a virtual meeting of the American College of Cardiology showed that while black and white Americans from well-resourced neighborhoods had similar health outcomes following a heart attack, black Americans living in under-resourced neighborhoods were significantly more likely to die than white Americans living in under-resourced neighborhoods.
Advertisement
Another recent study showed that black Americans were more likely to exhibit more severe heart attack risk factors at a younger age than their white counterparts.
The researchers from each study suggest that this information may change the way both individuals and doctors approach healthcare.
These findings can help re-enforce the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes activity and healthful food choices. They can also help you identify a potential heart attack that may not necessarily “feel like” it.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
