Preinfarction (Angina) Symptoms

Preinfarction

Most are not aware that an infarction (heart attack) can affect the body in various ways, culminating with the damage of the structure and of the functions of the heart. Therefore, knowledge of the prior symptoms of a possible preinfarction (angina pectoris) or of a heart attack are very important. It should be emphasized, however, that the symptoms can vary from person to person.

Pain and Discomfort

Before the heart attack, people may feel, often, pain or chest discomfort. Both of the symptoms are manifested differently depending on the person. Some people may experience pressure in the chest. For others the pain is located in the heart area and can be perceived as the heart were swollen. However, pain may spread to other parts of the body: shoulders, back, neck and jaw. Any of these alarm signals can persist from a few awkward seconds to several minutes or more.

Breathing Disorders

Quite often, breathing disorders may precede a heart attack: breathing will be short, jerky (is not the result of any physical effort). The sensation is short-lived, being then followed by pain.

Preinfaction (Angina) Symptoms

Fatigue

Unjustified fatigue can be caused either by high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases or heart diseases. This is determined by how badly the heart works. In any of the cases mentioned above, the heart must make a greater effort than normal and for this reason, the amount of blood and of oxygen becomes insufficient. When this situation will occur, the patient will feel increasingly tired.

Sleep Disorders

For many people, one of the preinfarction symptoms is difficulty in falling asleep, insomnia or anxiety. Even when is sleeping, the patient has a sleep that is  not restful. This symptoms can occur with months or weeks before the onset of any myocardial disease.

Indigestion

The sensation of heartburn may be confused with heart attack. But it is possible that even indigestion (especially if it is recurrent) to be a warning sign for a heart attack.

Emotional Disorders

Although it is not basically a symptom of preinfarction, some emotional imbalance may signal the possibility of triggering a preinfarction, especially if there are other symptoms. In this situation, the person may experience anxiety or fear with variable intensity that might occur as the onset of a heart attack.

Lifestyle

A person’s lifestyle can contribute to the development of a myocardial disease. Excessive weight, diet, the level of activity and the emotional state can play an important role in triggering a heart attack. Obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or permanent stress are risk factors for those who might suffer a heart attack.